THE Department of Agriculture (DA) today assured of enough supply of highland vegetables based on daily consumption date despite heavy rains last week that caused flash floods, mudslide and erosion in the province of Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Initial reports indicate P14.6 million in damages, reflecting a 728 metric tons volume production loss. Around 684 farmers have been reportedly affected with a total of agricultural area of 198 hectares.
At the onset of the Habagat, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center (DA-DRRM OpCen) has already advised farmers to harvest matured crops and make use of postharvest facilities, as well as secure seed reserves, planting materials and other farm inputs, including feed and water for livestock .
It also recommended the relocation of animals, machineries, and equipment to higher ground, and the clearing of drainage and irrigation and rice paddies from obstruction.
The agri department is now preparing to distribute assistance to the affected farmers, which will include: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; financial assistance under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); indemnity from available funds from Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC); and cash support from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has released forecast today that a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 685 kilometers (km) Northeast of Surigao City or 690 km East of Virac, Catanduanes. The southwest monsoon is also expected to affect the western section of the country, based on PAGASA’s forecast.
Areas that may be affected include Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate. Meanwhile, the PAGASA is also monitoring weather conditions due to the Southwest Monsoon that may affect MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangasamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao as well as Metro Manila.