Agricultural damage from Maring reaches P692 million

Severe Tropical Storm Maring (Kompasu) has damaged at least P692 million worth of agricultural goods, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday, October 13.

Production losses reached 43,984 metric tons from 36,537 hectares of agricultural areas. Commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fish.

Over 32,000 farmers from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas have been affected.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that the agency has P300 million under its Quick Response Fund (QRF) to aid affected farmers and fisherfolk.

Farmers can also tap the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s zero-interest loan program, where they can borrow up to P20,000, payable in 10 years.

The DA, so far, has distributed 168,998 bags of rice seeds, 16,601 bags of corn seeds, and 1,480 kilos of assorted vegetables to affected regions.

Maring left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Tuesday, October 12. – Rappler.com