BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has reported that the agricultural damage brought by Severe Tropical Storm Florita has reached P47 million.
The DA-CAR said Benguet, the top producer of highland vegetables, was spared from damage, even as five other provinces in the region recorded P47,822,086 in production losses, particularly in these areas:
1) Rizal town in Kalinga, which is adjacent to the hard-hit Cagayan Valley, with P34,887,767 in agricultural damage;
2) Sta. Marcela, Luna, Pudtol, Calanasan, and Conner towns in Apayao with P10,961,579; 3) Mountain Province with P1,782,120; 4) Abra, P47,740; and 5) Ifugao with P142,878.
The DA also said Florita affected 1,850 farmers and fisherfolk, with 21,321 metric tons of production loss. Most of the damage was on rice, corn, and high-value crops like highland vegetables and fruits.
DA-CAR regional director Cameron Odsey, however, assured the public that the supply and sales of highland vegetables remain stable. (PNA)