MANILA, Philippines — Damage to agriculture due to Tropical Depression Maymay and Typhoon Neneng has climbed to P583.45 million as more reports from farmers and fishers come in.
Latest data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that 21,986 hectares of agricultural land were damaged, which translates to a loss of around 36,872 metric tons of food.
The two tropical cyclones affected 21,324 farmers and fishermen in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley.
The DA said the rice sector bore the brunt of the losses at P500.1 million, with 20,332 hectares of rice fields affected.
Damage to high-value crops was estimated at P47.33 million and corn at P19.45 million.
The fisheries sector recorded losses of P7.23 million from damaged ponds of milkfish, tilapia, catfish and carp, nets and motorized boats, among others.
Up to 1,430 heads of livestock and poultry valued at P9.34 million were lost.
The DA had earlier said damage and losses due to Maymay and Neneng were combined as the two tropical cyclones occurred in a span of one week and affected the same agricultural areas.
The agency said it would distribute rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds to farmers, drugs and biologics for the livestock and poultry sector as well as fingerlings to affected fisherfolk.
The DA said farmers may avail themselves of a loan of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest, and quick response funds for the rehabilitation of affected areas.