‘Egay’ damage to agri sector climbs to ₱1.94B – DA

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) – Typhoon Egay has left ₱1.94 billion worth of agriculture damage, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday.

According to its latest bulletin, DA said Egay affected 147,063 hectares of agricultural areas in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabrazon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

Rice and corn were the most damaged crops, amounting to more than 76,000 metric tons in losses, DA said.

Other agricultural commodities affected include high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries, the agency added.

“Damage was also incurred in farm and fishery infrastructures, and fishing paraphernalia. These values are subject to validation,” DA said.

The agency also said more than 126,000 bags of rice and corn and 582 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds are available for distribution.

It added the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has ₱62,000 worth of tilapia, carp, and catfish fingerlings available for distribution to affected fisherfolk.