Paeng agriculture damage breaches P3 billion

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to agriculture due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng has breached P3 billion.

Latest data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that damage to the sector reached P3.16 billion, with 83,704 farmers and fishermen affected.

The volume of production loss was at 197,111 metric tons, with 84,677 hectares of agricultural land affected in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and Soccsksargen.

Damage to rice amounted to P1.95 billion; high-value crops, P612.5 million, and corn, P160.32 million.

The DA regional animal disease diagnostic laboratory and regional fruit nurseries in Zamboanga City and irrigation systems were among the damaged agri-facilities. The cost of damage was placed at P190.68 million.

The fisheries sector recorded losses amounting to P201.73 million.

Paeng affected milkfish and tilapia fishponds and seaweed farms. Non-motorized and municipal fishing boats were also damaged.

Damage to livestock and poultry amounted to P40.04 million, which represents 129,596 heads of chicken, swine, cattle, carabao, goat, sheep, duck and horse.

Paeng also damaged farm machineries and equipment worth P1.79 million.

The DA said it has prepared assistance to affected farmers and fishers in the form of of rice seeds worth P1.74 billion, corn seeds worth P11.57 million, assorted vegetable seeds worth P20 million as well as animal heads, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry and fingerlings for affected fisherfolk.

Farmers and fishermen can avail themselves of a loan of up to P25,000 with zero interest under the Survival and Recovery program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

The DA said its Quick Response Fund is also available for the rehabilitation of affected areas.