Damage to agricultural crops caused by tropical storm Paeng has increased to ₱ 17,947,999.45, as the City Agriculturist Office continues monitoring and assessment on field.
In her report to Mayor John Dalipe dated November 3, 2022, City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez said the tropical storm has inundated 203.16 hectares of farms planted with rice, high value commercial crops, corn and cassava in the 6 agricultural districts in the city.
The number of farmers affected now total 388.
The figure will still increase in the coming days as assessment in the different agricultural districts continues.
Of the total area affected, 86.61 hectares were planted with assorted vegetables with damage estimated to have reached ₱ 13,823,246.00, the biggest losses incurred. These are mostly located in the districts of Tumaga, Ayala, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan and Vitali.
Rice farms covering 116.6 hectares in the districts of Tumaga, Ayala, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan and Vitali were also destroyed with damage cost reaching ₱ 4,124,752.60.
On the other hand, a total of 24.45 hectares of cornfields were also inundated with damage reaching ₱ 1,374,568.00. These cornfields are located in the districts of Tumaga, Ayala and Vitali.
Meanwhile, City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez said family food packs and other relief goods were provided to the affected farmers in the aftermath of the tropical storm.
Other forms of assistance in terms of seeds and cash through the Assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) will also be provided, Sanchez added. (Sheila Covarrubias, photo courtesy of City Agriculturist Office)
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page)