By Alec Go
The cost of agricultural damages left by Super Typhoon “Goring” has ballooned to P1.14 billion as of Sept. 6, the Department of Agriculture Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) said.
This covers affected areas in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas.
Estimated volume of production loss has reached 51,283 metric tons, with affected agricultural land pegged at 44,928 hectares.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and poultry.
A total of 35,006 farmers have so far been affected by the recent super typhoon that affected portions of Luzon.
The DA said damage and loss assessment is ongoing.
Meanwhile, more than P100 million worth of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds, along with drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry are available to assist affected agricultural sectors and workers.
A loanable amount of P25,000 that is payable in three years without interest is also available under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
A quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas is also in place. – gb
