DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Davao City Agriculturist’s Office (CAGRO) recorded agricultural damages amounting to P3,758,132 caused by Shear Line last week.
According to CAGRO, the flooding led to the erosion of approximately 12 hectares of rice fields in Calinan District, resulting in substantial crop damage for 24 rice farmers. Landslides and rainfall affected 18.45 hectares of farmland in Marilog, Buhangin, and Tugbok, impacting 39 corn farmers.
Moreover, the high-value crops cultivated by 136 farmers in Marilog, Tugbok, Buhangin, Bunawan, and Paquibato were impacted on 20 hectares. A cassava farmer in Tugbok also experienced adverse effects.
In a statement, Edgardo Haspe, the head of CAGRO, mentioned that while the damage doesn’t pose a significant risk to the city’s food security, the compromised rice field in Calinan will have a negative impact on local rice production.
Haspe noted that CAGRO has dispatched teams to the affected districts to aid farmers in recovering from their losses. Additionally, he highlighted that the city government is providing assistance to approximately 200 farmers who were affected by the flooding and landslides last week.
“We have coordinated with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), which can directly provide indemnity insurance of P20,000 per hectare to rice farmers, as most of them are enrolled in the PCIC, making them eligible for the insurance cover for destroyed rice fields,” Haspe said.
Corn farmers and high-value crop producers grappling with the aftermath of the calamity will receive support in the form of agricultural supplies such as seedlings, plantlets, and fertilizers.
Meanwhile, farmers in regions prone to landslides have been cautioned against planting in precarious areas to ensure their safety.
In addition to offering prompt assistance for livelihood, Haspe mentioned that CAGRO will submit its assessment to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and propose the provision of financial aid to farmers who have suffered from the disaster.
As of now, a minimum of 6,352 farmers has been identified as impacted by the severe weather disturbance, covering an affected area of 7,958.38 hectares.
According to the latest update as of Progress Report No.6 issued on Monday morning, January 22, approximately 134,879 families or 606,483 individuals from 300 barangays across the entire region have been impacted. Among them, 3,495 families or 12,725 individuals have been displaced and are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers.
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