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‘Jolina’ leaves over P299-M in agri damage

By Christine Cudis

September 9, 2021, 5:23 pm

<p>Track of Tropical Storm Jolina <em>(Image courtesy of PAGASA)</em></p>

Track of Tropical Storm Jolina (Image courtesy of PAGASA)

MANILA – Tropical Storm Jolina has left PHP299.40 million worth of agricultural damage in four regions, the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) disaster response council said on Thursday.

The DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DA-DRRMC) said “Jolina” has affected 62,052 farmers and fisherfolk with volume of production loss at 16,155 metric tons and 57,649 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

It said “Jolina” affected commodities which include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries.

The DA, through its regional field offices, is further assessing and validating the damage and losses brought by “Jolina” in the agri-fisheries sector.

The agency said it also maintains close coordination with concerned government offices, local government units, and other DRRM-related offices to further assess the impact of "Jolina", as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.

The DA said it has enough Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas, and distribution of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds will be implemented to affected regions; while drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs will also be provided for those who needs assistance.

Other monetary aid will be addressed through the DA's Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). There are also available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Jolina” is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday night.

Although tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) due to “Jolina” was already lifted, the weather disturbance is still enhancing the southwest monsoon that will cause rains over parts of the country, the weather bureau said.

Meanwhile, TCWS no. 1 has been hoisted over Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northeastern portion of Apayao (Luna, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela), and the northeastern portion of Isabela (Santa Maria, San Pablo, Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan) due to Typhoon Kiko.

Strong winds will prevail in those areas, PAGASA said.

"Kiko" packs maximum sustained winds of 195 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 240 kilometers per hour. It was last located 670 km east of Baler, Aurora, moving westward at 20 kph. (PNA)

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