Article by:
Christine Cudis
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday reported PHP11.7 billion worth of damage in Typhoon Odette-hit regions but early intervention enabled farmers to save their crops.
The agency’s PHP2.9 billion worth of various programs are also being used to help 411,038 farmers and fisherfolk get back on their feet.
All concerned DA agencies are monitoring the damage to identify effective ways for the speedy recovery of the victims.
The Dec. 16 and 17, 2021 typhoon caused 267,369 metric tons of production losses and damaged 442,674 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga, according to the DA’s latest data.
Affected commodities included rice, corn, high value crops, coconut, sugarcane, abaca, livestock, and fisheries.
Agricultural infrastructures, machinery, and equipment also incurred damage but the actual values are still subject to validation.
Meanwhile, 11,454 hectares of rice were harvested prior to “Odette’s” landfall or an equivalent production of 34,433 metric tons amounting to PHP615.53 million.
As for corn, a total of 2,452 hectares were saved, equal to 6,965 metric tons or PHP82.55 million.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recently provided six units of 20-footer fiberglass boats with engines and complete accessories and two units of upright freezers to selected fisherfolk beneficiaries and associations in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte.
BFAR is set to conduct another on-the-ground assessment on the island this month to assess and validate the overall damage to fisheries-related infrastructure and livelihood.
The data will be used to create feasible and relevant livelihood intervention proposals for appropriate and immediate funding.
DSWD assistance
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sent 1,340 family food packs and 30,000 pieces of Disaster Assistance Family Access Card (DAFAC) forms to Caticlan in Aklan, Cebu, and Palawan before 2021 ended.
Along with the food and non-food items transported on Dec. 22 to 30, 2021 by a local budget carrier, the DAFAC forms would help DSWD in monitoring the provision of aid to families affected by disasters.
The forms also ensure that all families hit by Typhoon Odette are given appropriate DSWD assistance. (PNA)
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