Agri losses hit P1.1B from storms

The combined damage of three successive tropical storms and the southwest monsoon or “habagat” on the agriculture sector has now risen to P1.12 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

- DEXTER BARRO II

Based on the DA's latest bulletin on Friday, July 25, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Socckskargen have reported damage and losses in their respective agriculture sectors.

These regions saw severe impact on rice, corn, cassava, high value crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry, and even agricultural infrastructure.

With the devastation brought by “habagat” and tropical storms “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Emong,” 45,408 farmers and fisherfolk have now been affected.