DA-Caraga provides ?2.8M aid to Surigao del Sur farmers hit by Basyang
BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 13 (Caraga) has released more than ₱2.8 million worth of assistance to farmers in Surigao del Sur who were affected by Tropical Storm Basyang and the shear line that struck the region last month.
Data from DA-13 showed that the two weather disturbances caused around ₱48.3 million in losses to agricultural production and more than ₱2 million in damage to agricultural infrastructure.
According to Gerlie Antipaso, Surigao del Sur was the first province in the region to request assistance for affected farmers.
Antipaso said the agency recently distributed 1,800 sacks of certified rice seeds worth about ₱1.58 million to help farmers recover and resume planting.
In addition, around 400 kilograms of rodenticides valued at ₱1.28 million were provided to prevent rat infestations, which often occur in rice fields after flooding.
The DA requires local government units to submit requests for assistance once damage reports are finalized. Antipaso said the agency is currently reviewing and consolidating additional requests and will continue releasing support in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, DA-13 has also submitted its Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (RRP) to the national office for approval and funding.
The proposed program includes ₱37.1 million for rice farmers, ₱5.2 million for high-value crop growers, and ₱854,000 for poultry and livestock support, bringing the total proposed assistance to more than ₱43.15 million.
The RRP budget will be used to provide rice seeds, vegetable seeds, fertilizers, livestock, poultry, and biologics to affected farmers.
Damage assessment reports showed that about 1,684.83 hectares of rice fields were affected, resulting in losses of around 445.31 metric tons of rice valued at more than ₱36.2 million.
High-value crops also sustained losses, including vegetables, legumes, spices, fruits, commercial crops, and root crops. These damages reached about 187.91 metric tons across 105.98 hectares, with an estimated value of more than ₱9 million.
Meanwhile, the corn sector recorded losses of around 31.80 metric tons across 87.70 hectares, valued at approximately ₱2.7 million. Additional damage was also reported in livestock and poultry production.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
