‘Agaton’ agri damage initially estimated at P265M; 16 roads still closed 

AGRICULTURAL damage and losses from the first typhoon to hit the country this year was initially estimated at P265.3 million, the Department of Agriculture reported on Tuesday.  

Storm Agaton, with international name Megi, dumped rains over central parts of the country for days, causing floods and landslides.   

Farm damage and losses were reported in the regions of Eastern Visayas and Caraga, affecting 2,132 farmers.  

Volume of production loss was estimated at 16,532 metric tons (MT) across 3,060 hectares of agricultural areas.  

Rice was the most affected crop with losses amounting to P250.1 million. 

This was followed by high-value crops, such as banana, at P13.9 million and corn at P1.4 million.  

The department said it will be providing assistance to affected farmers and fishers, including rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.  

It will also allocate available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to indemnify affected farmers and the Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.  

Meanwhile, 16 roads were still closed due to damage or obstructions while 19 others affected by flooding and landslides were partially open as of Tuesday noon, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.   

The department said response teams were already immediately deployed for clearing operations in areas that were deemed safe.    

Agaton affected public structures across seven regions from the southern part of Luzon, the central Visayas islands, and northern-central areas in Mindanao. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson