Typhoon Odette damages agriculture by over P9 billion

Damage to the Philippine agriculture sector caused by Typhoon Odette has exceeded P9 billion, affecting over 132,000 farmers and fishers.

The typhoon devastated agricultural areas across CALABARZON, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.

Production losses amounted to 194,671 metric tons, impacting commodities such as rice, corn, high-value crops, coconut, sugarcane, livestock, and fisheries.

Fisheries incurred P3 billion in damage, followed by rice at P1.9 billion, coconut at P1.5 billion, and sugarcane at P1.2 billion.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated at least P2.9 billion in assistance for rehabilitation, indemnification, and programs like SURE Assistance.

Seed assistance for rice, corn, and vegetables, along with aid for fisherfolk and livestock, will also be provided.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over P154 million in humanitarian assistance to affected families as of December 28, including augmentation assistance, aid from LGUs, and contributions from NGOs.