Cyclones, ‘habagat’ leave P2.51-B agri damage

Typhoon “Opong” left a trail of destruction in Sitio Licuson, Luyong Catungan village in Mobo town, Masbate damaging homes. Despite the devastation, residents were thankful no one was hurt. (Photo courtesy of LGU Mobo)

Agricultural damage due to the southwest monsoon (“habagat”) and Tropical Cyclones “Mirasol,” “Nando” and “Opong” has gone up to P2.51 billion as of Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

The latest tally is 28.67 percent higher than the P1.95 billion recorded by the DA on Monday. In its latest advisory, the DA said the adverse weather conditions affected the livelihood of 85,671 farmers in the following regions: Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen.

Losses were recorded in rice, corn, high-value crops, cassava, livestock and poultry, agricultural infrastructures, irrigation facilities, and machinery and equipment.

Rice incurred the most substantial losses, accounting for 60.15 percent or P1.51 billion of the total. High-value crops and corn followed at P705.12 million and P278.14 million, respectively.