• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The effects of southwest monsoon, enhanced by Tropical Storm Crising, caused P12.6 million in agricultural losses in Negros Occidental, the Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region reported Tuesday.
Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, DA regional director for Negros Island Region, disclosed that 648 hectares of rice fields were damaged by flooding, with losses estimated at P12 million, while damage to high value crops and corn was pegged at P631,000, as of July 21.
Barrogo said they are presently working with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) on the availability of seeds for distribution to the affected Negrense farmers.
Farmers whose crops are covered by the PCIC (Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation), need not to worry as they will receive 100 percent indemnification, he added.
The Provincial Veterinary Office also reported P2.3 million losses in livestock, poultry, and gamefowl, and P1.3 million in damage to aquaculture during the same period.
Based on reports of the Office of Civil Defense – Negros Island Region, 38 houses were destroyed, while 259 others were partially damaged.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Moises Padilla reported damage worth P29,509,118.77 to infrastructure projects, agricultural crops, fisheries and livestock, as of Monday.
MDRRMO head Reynald Horegue reported P21.5 million in damage to road projects, excluding two overflowed spillways, and P4.5 million losses to agricultural crops, fisheries and livestock.
Of the 907 internally displaced persons in the town, 11 are still staying at the municipal evacuation center, Horegue added.*
