Typhoon "Ambo" affects high-yielding crops in six regions

“Ambo” brings damage to P1.37 billion

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture reported “Ambo”, the country’s first typhoon for the years, affected at least six regions in Luzon and the Visayas worth at least P1.37 billion and production loss of 66,760 metric tons. “Ambo” damaged farms in Eastern Visayas, Bicol, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Central Luzon and Cordillera Administrative Region.

In a statement released by the Department of Agriculture, it was learned losses to high value crops reached P915.15 million including damages to bananas, papaya and assorted fruits and vegetables. Rice, at different stages, was also affected and amounted to P318 million, cord at P62.45 million, fisheries at P42.40 million, livestock at P17.94 million and some infrastructure at P10.80 million.

Secretary William Dar said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has enough funds to indemnify 15,756 insured farmers and fisherfolk in the affected regions. He said the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) under the Survival and Recovery Loan Assistance program, appropriated some P20 million for emergency loan at zero interest, payable in three years to affected farmers and fishermen at P25,000 each. He explained rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds have also been distributed to farmers who will opt to replant once conditions permit.

Secretary Dar said the regional field offices in the affected regions have formulated their rehabilitation and recovery plans for immediate processing under the Quick Response Fund and up for finalization this week. The QRF worth P750 million has been made available for downloading to affected Regional Field offices for the rehabilitation of their affected communities. (Melo M. Acuna)

Secretary William Dollente Dar (File Photo/Melo M. Acuna)