Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — Damage to agriculture due to Tropical Depression Agaton has reached ₱2.8 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has disclosed.
In its latest bulletin, the DA said damage and losses were reported in the regions of Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and Caraga.
The weather disturbance affected 64,525 farmers and fishers, with volume of production loss at 89,093 metric tons (MT) and 31,645 hectares of agricultural areas, it added.
“The increase in overall damage and losses is due to additional reports on rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, agri-facilities, machineries and equipment in Western and Eastern Visayas,” it noted.
Aside from the commodities, the fisheries sector also suffered from the weather disturbance.
The DA has allocated around ₱723.07 million for various assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
It includes ₱500 million for rehabilitation of all affected areas; ₱100 million for loan assistance for Western Visayas; ₱87.76 million worth of rice seeds, ₱24.33 million worth of corn seeds, ₱10.85 million worth of assorted vegetables; animal stocks, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; and indemnification assistance.
Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that death toll remained at 178. Only 18 of the victims have so far been validated.
It noted, however, that at least 46 more were reported killed, which would bring the country’s total to 224 upon confirmation.
