Damages to agricultural crops that include rice, corn, high value commercial crops (HVCC), fishery products and seaweed has reached ₱ 9,964,102.50, the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) reported May 13.
Barangays under the agricultural districts of Vitali and Curuan were battered by rains last Tuesday, resulting to heavy losses for 695 affected farmers across 581.95 hectares of farmlands.
Hardest hit was the fishery sector with damages amounting to ₱ 6,166,842.5, followed by the HVCC with ₱ 2,290,335 and rice with ₱ 1,464,475.
The damage however, may still increase as the assessment and validation on field continues.
Local government resources through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) have been mobilized to provide aid to families affected by the flood. Assessment of damages and families is ongoing. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page, photo courtesy of City Agriculturist Office | Licomo BION Joseph Alanano)