The agriculture sector in Zamboanga city has suffered more than ₱ 7.2 million losses in damage to various crops due to the flashfloods spawned by the tropical storm last April 5.
The City Agriculturist’s Office initially reported last week ₱ 2.203 million worth of crops and vegetables destroyed by the floods, but the figures soared to ₱ 7.2 million after final assessment as of April 11.
City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez reported that the high value commercial crops (HVCC) were the hardest hit by floods, sustaining a total losses of ₱ 6.7 million from 27-hectare farms, both in Vitali and Ayala districts.
The spoiled crops included eggplant, squash, string beans, ampalaya, tomato, pechay, mustard, okra, radish, cucumber, cabbage, and bell pepper—all amounting to ₱ 5.9 million in Vitali District alone.
In Ayala District, ₱ 900,000 worth of cabbage and watermelon amounting to ₱ 787,500 were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the damage to rice was pegged at ₱ 112,500 and ₱ 373,560 for corn planted in 12 hectares and 11 hectares, respectively. (Vic Larato)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page, photos courtesy of City Agriculturist Office)