Damage to the agriculture sector resulting from the effects of Tropical Storm Enteng is estimated at P360.18 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center reported damage wrought on 15,205 metric tons of agricultural goods tended by 14,605 farmers and fisherfolk tending 9,254 hectares of farmland.
The most damage was reported in Central Luzon, the Bicol region, and Western and Eastern Visayas.
More than 14,000 metric tons of rice worth an estimated P340 million and 739 MT more of corn valued at P14 million have been wasted by the tropical storm.
Two hundred metric tons of high-value crops worth another P4.33 million was reported damaged along with 89 MT of cassava worth P1.77 million.
The DA on Thursday committed to distribute P202.86 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in the form of seeds, bio-control measures and farm tools.
Also, the Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council had been activated, allowing farmers to access P25,000 in loans at zero interest over three years.
A quick-response fund from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to indemnify farmers has similarly been mobilized, the DA said.
