LEGAZPI CITY – At least PHP22.4 million worth of agriculture products were destroyed as the Bicol Region experienced heavy rains and flooding due to a shear line earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture-5 (DA-Bicol) reported on Friday.
In an interview, Lovella Guarin, DA-Bicol spokesperson, said the initial consolidated agri-damage reports were from the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, and Masbate.
"The cost of damage in agriculture for Albay reached PHP146,200; for Sorsogon, PHP15.1 million; while in Masbate, it reached PHP7 million," Guarin said.
She said 568 hectares of crops, including rice, were destroyed.
"A total of 1,282 metric tons of rice were damaged due to floods in the three provinces," she added.
Guarin said seeds for corn, vegetables, vitamins for livestock, and other assistance are ready for distribution to assist the affected farmers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol provided PHP13 million worth of assistance to the affected provinces. (PNA)
