CEBU CITY, Cebu, Jan. 12 (PIA) -- Based on the partial damage assessment report released by the Department of Agriculture Central Visayas (DA-7) as of Jan. 4, the province of Cebu recorded a total of P1,254,308,029.84 in production loss in the agricultural sector due to Super Typhoon “Odette” (International name: Rai).

The corn production in the province suffered the biggest loss at P881,752,030, followed by the agricultural infrastructure (farm infrastructure) at P274,984,400.

The production losses incurred amount to P46,991,455.80 for livestock and poultry, P37,352,540 for coconut, P11,227,604.04 for rice, while the agricultural machineries and equipment logged a production loss of P2 million.

The agriculture department also reported that a total of 27,492 farmers and fisherfolks in Cebu province were affected by the recent typhoon.

Of the total, 23,128 were coconut farmers, 3,551 corn farmers, 449 owners of livestock and poultry, and 364 rice farmers. 

DA-7 listed areas within the 50-kilometer zone/path of Typhoon “Odette” that were greatly affected.

These areas are Carcar City, Naga City, Talisay City, Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Sibonga in the 1st district; Alcoy, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete in the 2nd district; Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, Pinamungajan, and Toledo City in the 3rd district; Danao City, Compostela, and Liloan in the 5th district; Consolacion, Lioan, and Mandaue City in the 6th district; and Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Dumanjug, Moalboal, Malabuyoc, and Ronda in the 7th district. 

DA-7 has initiated interventions to address the needs of the affected areas, farmers, fisherfolks, and agriculture entrepreneurs in Cebu.

A total of P12,195,000 worth of assistance was initially allocated for the provision of seedlings, plantlets, lowland vegetables, planting materials, and veterinary biologics.

The department will also be distributing P5,000 as Rice Farmers Financial Assistance to 2,041 target recipients in the whole province.

As of Jan. 12, DA-7 is continuously assessing the extent of damage in the agricultural industry of Cebu to determine the required assistance to be extended to the affected areas, persons, and businesses. (RGC/PIA7)