Rolly’s damage to agriculture reaches P1B – DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced Super Typhoon Rolly’s agricultural damage P1.1 billion, according to Secretary William Dar.

At a press briefing on Monday, Dar said an estimated 20,000 farmers were affected by “Rolly,” which damaged rice, corn, and high-value crops.

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“As of today, this morning, the initial estimated agricultural damages and losses are totaling P1.1 billion. This has been brought about by Typhoon Rolly,” said Dar.

“Most of the commodities that have been badly damaged are rice, corn, high-value crops during this Typhoon Rolly, with almost 20,000 hectares. And about 20,000 farmers as well have been affected,” he added.

In a video post by Super Radyo dzBB reporter Mark Makalalad, rice fields in Barangay Mabolo, Naga City in Camarines Sur can be seen flooded because of Rolly.

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Dar added that the previous typhoon Quinta also caused damage amounting to P2 billion.

The DA promised to provide assistance to the affected sector.

This includes the distribution of 133,326 bags of rice seeds and 17,545 bags of corn seeds.

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They also assist the affected owners of livestock and poultry farmers.

The DA will distribute 10 million tilapia and milkfish fingerlings and even some equipment to those affected in the fishery.

The DA is said to have P400 million as a quick response fund to be used for rehabilitation.

Rolly’s damage to agriculture reaches P1B – DA

The DA will also provide a P25,000 survival and recovery loan to the affected farmers, Dar said.

Among the areas that Rolly suffered the most were Catanduanes, Albay, Batangas, and Quezon.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said 18 road sections were damaged in infrastructure due to fallen trees and poles caused by the typhoon.

In terms of power supply, more than 53,000 homes in Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, and Metro Manila are still without electricity, apart from the entire Catanduanes that are still brownout, according to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured that they would continue distributing aid to the affected residents.

It is said that DSWD still has 6.5 million worth of food packs and hygiene kits to be delivered to those in need.