DA Ensures Stable Food Supply

Despite P1.1-B Damage to Agriculture

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

The DA initially recorded P323 million in damage, with over 10,000 tons of farm produce affected, primarily rice, which accounted for 66 percent of the total losses.

However, the amount of damage ballooned to P1.12 billion as of yesterday, following updating of data, according to DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa.

"We have enough supply, good for more than 12 days' worth of national requirements. Even the National Food Authority's requirement for the Benteng Bigas program is covered," De Mesa said.

He said the recently reported damage to rice, roughly 6,700 tons, is relatively lower compared to the average annual typhoon-related losses of 500,000 to 600,000 tons.

A DA report submitted to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed that 45,408 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by the combined effects of tropical storms Crising, Dante, and Emong, as well as the monsoon.