THE Philippine agriculture sector has so far incurred a combined P10 billion worth of damage and losses from Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses which ravaged Luzon and parts of the Visayas, it reported over the weekend.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar described the damage sustained by the crop sector as a major blow to the country’s food security.
Dar noted that the losses did not include the recent flooding in Cagayan and Isabela – which was blamed on the release of water from the Magat Dam after Typhoon Ulysses brought heavy rain over Luzon.
“Malaking dagok na naman dito sa food security natin. Itong tatlong typhoons na ito,” Dar said.
“As of [Friday] evening, 150,000 farmers at 275,000 hectares ng taniman ang apektado. In terms of commodities, kung ano po ang pinaka-grabe na apektado considering itong impact ng tatlong typhoons, ay high value commodities kagaya ng abaca sa Catanduanes.”
Nevertheless, the Agriculture chief said farmers were able to save a substantial volume and amount of crops due to early weather advisories.
“Suma total ang na-save bago dumating ang tatlong bagyo [about] P32 billion,” Dar said.
As for rice supply, the Cabinet official said the national inventory remained stable with a year-end forecast good for 85 to 94 days.(with GMA News/PN)
