‘Milenyo’ affects hybrid rice program

ORMOC CITY — The Rice Production Enhancement Program (RPEP) of Mayor Eric Codilla has been affected by Typhoon "Milenyo."

Records obtained from the City Agriculture Services Office (CASO) disclosed that the damage incurred by the hybrid rice production, which covered 1,532 hectares of land, is estimated to reach P32 million.

Meanwhile, inbred and upland rice production have reportedly incurred damage of up to P5 million and P384, 527, respectively.

Total damages, on the other hand, for vegetable sector here have yet to be computed but it is estimated to reach approximately P2 million.

The fisheries sector has submitted a report estimating damages at around P4 million.

However, the CASO officer-in-charge Imelda Remollo told The Star that big fishponds like the one owned by former Rep. Carmelo Jimenea Locsin in Barangay Naungan was totally washed out by the big flood.

She added that other big fishpond owners also incurred big loses when their fishponds overflowed but they opted not to report.

Codilla, is undertaking the RPEP, which is now on its fourth phase. The project is very successful as rice production of local farmers involved in the project has increased tremendously. — Roberto Dejon