CALOOCAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture on Sunday, October 30 at 5:00 pm issued a bulletin on damages and losses incurred due to the effects of STS "PAENG".

Based on assessments made by the DA RFOs, damage and losses have been reported in MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and SOCCSKSARGEN regions amounting to P 285.28 million affecting 8,608 farmers and fishers, with the volume of production loss at 11,761 metric tons (MT) and 13,408 hectares of agricultural areas.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, and fisheries. Damage has also been incurred in agricultural facilities. However, these values are still subject to validation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), is assessing damage and losses brought by ‘Paeng’ in the agri-fisheries sector.

The DA continuously coordinates with concerned National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of tropical cyclones, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.

Further, mobile KADIWA centers are being set up for rolling out in areas affected by ‘Paeng’ to stabilize prices and supply of agri-fishery commodities.

The following assistance is available for distribution to affected farmers and fishers:
1. Rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds;
2. Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry;
3. Fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR);
4. Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with a loanable amount of up to P 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and
5. Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

The DA-DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding STS "Paeng". (KAA- PIA CPSD)