DESPITE heavy rains last week, which caused flash flood, mudslide and erosion in the province of Ifugao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has assured that there is enough supply of highland vegetables based on daily consumption data.
The DA, over the weekend, has conducted continuous damage assessment in the agri-fishery sector through its Regional Field Offices.
Coordination is also being undertaken with respective national government agencies and local government units to immediately put in place interventions and support to enable farmers to quickly recover from their losses.
The agri department is now preparing to distribute assistance to the affected farmers, which will include: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; financial assistance under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); indemnity from available funds from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC); and cash support from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
Initial reports indicate P14.6 million in damages, reflecting a 728 metric tons volume production loss. Six hundred eighty four farmers have been reportedly affected, with a total of agricultural area of 198 hectares.
At the onset of the Habagat, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center (DA-DRRM OpCen) has advised farmers to harvest matured crops and make use of postharvest facilities, as well as secure seed reserves, planting materials and other farm inputs, including feed and water for livestock .
It also recommended the relocation of animals, machineries, and equipment to higher ground, and the clearing of drainage and irrigation and rice paddies from obstruction.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has released forecast today that a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 685 kilometers (km) Northeast of Surigao City or 690 km East of Virac, Catanduanes based on all available data. Southwest Monsoon is also expected to affect the western section of the country, based on PAGASA forecast.
Areas that may be affected include Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate. Meanwhile, the PAGASA is also monitoring weather conditions due to the Southwest Monsoon that may affect MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARRM as well as Metro Manila. (Adora D. Rodriguez, DA-AFID)
