Author: Raffy Rico

Damage and losses have been reported in Regions CALABARZON, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga amounting to P333.4 million (M) affecting 12,750 farmers and fishers, with volume of production loss at 19,640 metric tons (MT) and 23,198 hectares of agricultural areas. Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and fisheries. These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by “ODETTE”. SAVED PRODUCTION Prior to “ODETTE”, a total area of 11,454 hectares of rice have been harvested from Regions Mimaropa, VI, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII with an equivalent production of 34,433 metric tons amounting to P615.53M. As for corn, a total of 2,452 hectares have been harvested from Region IV-A, Mimaropa, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII with an equivalent production of 6,965 metric tons amounting to P82.55 million. ACTIONS TAKEN The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), is conducting assessment of damage and losses brought by TY “ODETTE” in the agri-fisheries sector. The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs, LGUs and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of “ODETTE”, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance. AVAILABLE INTERVENTIONS The DA will provide at least P1.35-billion worth of readily-available assistance to farmers and fishers affected: 1. P1-B worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas; 2....