By Christine Fabro
Based on Saturday’s data (July 24) from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the amount of damage and losses caused by typhoon Fabian is now at ₱12.38 million, affecting about 885 farmers in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Western Visayas.
For rice crops, the total affected area is 893 hectares, with a total value of ₱11.7 million. Bataan is greatly affected with about ₱6 million to ₱8 million total damages, while Zambales lost at least ₱4 million to ₱6 million.
The most affected area in terms of damaged corn crops is Quezon Province, where a total of four hectares with a total value of ₱175,500 thousand was lost. The province also lost a total of ₱244,800 thousand worth of swine.
For high value crops (HVC), Cavite lost some ₱100,000 to ₱150,000 in value. HVCs in most areas in Laguna and Bataan were also affected by the typhoon and monsoon rains or “habagat.”
According to the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center, the following assistance are available to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the typhoon and habagat:
- A total of 104,471 bags of rice seeds, 11,390 bags of corn seeds, and 1,949 kilograms of assorted vegetables;
- Quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas;
- Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs;
- Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council; and
- Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.
Fabian exited the Philippine area of responsibility at midnight of July 23. However, the weather bureau said the southwest monsoon will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains over Luzon.
– jlo
