SAN JOSE, Antique – An estimated P2.7-million worth of palay (unhusked rice) from this province was damaged due to heavy monsoon rains.
Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) natural calamity focal person Serafin Yanga said eight municipalities reported damage based on their monitoring from July 19 to 29 – Tobias Fornier, Valderrama, San Remigio, Hamtic, Laua-an, Patnongon, Sebaste and Tibiao covering an area of 171.85 hectares and 201 farmers.
Provincial Seed Coordinator Arlene Delos Reyes said they have so far released rice seeds to Tobias Fornier (50 bags), Hamtic (40 bags) and San Remigio (100 bags).
“Municipal Agriculture Officers (MAOs) of other towns that have damage reports are also being advised to coordinate with our office so they could be provided with assistance,” she said.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 still has a buffer stock of 600 bags of palay seeds in its warehouse in Barangay Badiang here, which could be used for replanting by affected farmers.
“One bag of seeds is being given as replanting material for every hectare that had been damaged by the southwest monsoon,” said Delos Reyes.
Yanga said they are expecting another 600 bags of seeds as assistance from DA-6. (PNA/PN)
