Crop damage from ”Quinta” hits P705.87 million

October 28, 2020

Damage to agriculture caused by Typhoon ''Quinta'' reached P705.87 million, the Department of Agriculture reported on Wednesday.

"The total amount of damage and losses in agri-fisheries due to 'Quinta' has increased to P705.87 million from the previously-reported P401.73 million, with 33,545  metric tons of volume loss, affecting 25,483 farmers and fisherfolk with 19,971 hectares of agricultural areas in Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula," the DA said.

DA said affected commodities were rice, corn, high value crops, fisheries, livestock, irrigation and agri-facilities.

But DA noted that the data is subject to further validation.

"The increase in values is attributed to the updated reports in rice and corn from the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Zamboanga City," the DA said.

"The DA Regional Field Offices in 'Quinta'-affected regions are thoroughly assessing and validating damage and losses in the agri-fisheries sector, and thereafter provide needed emergency assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk", it added.

The DA said the affected farmers may avail assistance offered by the department which include "Quick Response Fund (QRF) amounting to P795 million for the rehabilitation of affected areas; Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and Indemnification funds from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) for affected farmers and a total of 30,280 bags of rice seeds; 8,071 bags of corn seeds, and 1,792 kgs of assorted vegetables from Ilocos , Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula regions. Robina Asido/DMS