The Department of Agriculture has disclosed that the damages to agriculture caused by Super Typhoon Egay has now reached P4.47 billion.

According to DA’s Bulletin No. 12 released Aug. 3 around 5 p.m., the number of affected farmers and fishers has risen to 170,510.

Covering 195,539 hectares of agricultural areas, the DA said the super typhoon has caused 152,041 metric tons of volume loss to agricultural products, covering the areas of Central Luzon, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.

According to the DA Bulletin, the affected commodities “include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries.” 

Also noted were damages incurred in agricultural and fishery infrastructures, irrigation systems and fishing paraphernalia. 

The DA said it has provided farmers with P65.3 million worth of rice seeds and fertilizers; P94.7 million worth of corn seeds and pesticides; and P39.6 million worth of assorted vegetable seeds.

For the fisherfolk, the DA distributed P62,000 worth of tilapia, carp, and catfish fingerlings to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); P5.9 million worth of fuel assistance for fisherfolks specifically in CAR, Regions I, II, and III; and P1.9 million worth of repair and maintenance assistance for damaged motorized boats.

In addition, the DA said it made available P200 million worth of Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and P500 million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.