BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) has recorded 523 farmers in the region affected by Typhoon Carina.
In its July 29, 2024, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) report, the damaged production areas planted with corn and high-value crops were recorded at 129.78 hectares, with the total production losses recorded at 34.47 metric tons valued at PhP11,927,151.25.
The department has assured the provision of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds to farmers in the region affected by the habagat or southwest monsoon, enhanced by Typhoon Carina, aside from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) that would cover the rehabilitation of affected farming areas.
DA-CAR Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Focal Person Crisante Rosario explained that the department is currently gathering data on the number of farmers affected, the particular crops affected, and the number of hectares of production areas affected by the phenomenon.
“We are currently gathering and assessing reports on crop damages and losses in the region, including affected livestock coming from the local government units. The regional field office will then have to jointly validate the reports for DA-CAR to identify what specific intervention may be provided to the affected farmers,” Rosario said.
At present, DA-CAR has already prepositioned its seed reserve to include 204,564 kg. hybrid, inbred registered, and inbred certified rice seeds, 45,000 white and yellow corn seeds, and 564.70 upland and lowland seeds that may be distributed to the affected farmers in the region.
The affected farmers may also avail of the Survival and Recovery Loan or SURE Program from the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and the crop insurance that the Philippines Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will provide. By JTLlanes
