• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Agricultural and fisheries damage in Negros Occidental due to the eruption the Kanlaon volcano in December 9 last year was reported by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to be valued at P128,624,693.52.
The January 6 report of OPA said that 580.87 hectares of rice, corn, and high value crops in La Castellana, cities of La Carlota and Bago, have been damaged, affecting 1,382 farmers.
High Value Crops suffered most, with damage reported at P124,931,974, rice at P3,059,362.02, and corn P503,352.50.
Total damage to fisheries was reported by OPA at P130,005.
All over Negros Island, the Department of Agriculture said the value of damage to agriculture caused by the eruption of Kanlaon reached P129.39 million.
Data from the DA’s operations center showed that rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock incurred most of the damage.
Livestock and poultry incurred P900,100 in losses, while a total of 1,431 farmers were displaced by the volcanic eruption.
“Additional damage and losses are expected as assessment is ongoing in areas affected by Kanlaon’s continuous activity,” the DA said.
The agency said at least 771 heads of animals were evacuated in La Castellana and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.
“Various forms of assistance, including agricultural inputs such as rice and corn seeds as well as drugs and biologics for livestock animals have been provided to farmers,” the DA said.
It said up to P1 billion in quick response funds could be tapped for the rehabilitation and recovery of areas destroyed by Kanlaon.
Affected farmers may avail themselves of loans offered under the survival and recovery program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
The DA said farmers covered by insurance will receive indemnification from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.*
