ILOILO – Rice farmers in the province incurred production losses reaching P90,637,227 due to typhoon “Quinta,” according to the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO).
Based on PAO’s final report, 9,388 rice farmers were affected in 32 towns covering 11,968 hectares.
Elias Sandig, provincial assistant agriculturist, said the affected towns were Tigbauan, Oton, Tubungan, Igbaras, and Miag-ao in 1st District; Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Leon, Leganes, New Lucena, and San Miguel in 2nd District; Cabatuan, Janiuay, Bingawan, Pototan, Mina, Maasin, Lambunao, and Badiangan in 3rd District; San Enrique, Dingle, Dumangas, Dueñas, Anilao, and Passi City in 4th District; and Carles, Balasan, San Rafael, San Dionisio, Barotac Viejo, Sara, and Estancia in the 5th District.
Badiangan recorded the highest losses valued at P23.4 million followed by Passi City at P9.3 million and Lambunao at P7.4 million.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is still studying what kind of assistance the provincial government would be extending to the affected farmers.
But according to Sandig, they are planning to distribute seedlings and fertilizers to rice farmers.
“Mas ideal ang paghatag sang seedlings sa mga farmers bangod nga mapuslan gid nila ini ilabi pa nga nagkala-damage ang ila tanum,” he said.
Sandig also noted that majority of the affected rice farms in 32 towns were damaged by floods and strong winds following days of downpour.
“Kalabanan sang mga tanum nga palay nabahaan kay grabe ang ulan sadtong naglabay ang typhoon ‘Quinta’. May iban man nga nag-report nga nahapay ang ila palay kay mabaskug ang huyop sang hangin,” Sandig said./PN
