LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Super Typhoon Carina has caused an initial P422,092.20 in damages to the agriculture sector of Laoag City, according to the latest report from the City Agriculture Office on July 26.
The heavy rainfall brought by the typhoon resulted in significant losses to rice, corn, and high-value crops, as well as livestock and fisheries.
The bulk of the losses, amounting to P181,933.70, were incurred by rice farmers, while corn cultivation suffered P23,952.50 in damages.
High-value crops were also affected, with a total loss of P67,481, with string beans taking the biggest hit at P64,775, followed by okra (P2,020) and patola (P686).
The typhoon’s heavy rainfall also impacted the city’s fishery sector, resulting in P142,465 worth of damage.
A total of 10 fishponds were affected, containing various fish and shrimp fingerlings.
Five fishponds containing 14,700 tilapia fingerlings, two with 6,700 bangus fingerlings, and three with 3,000 shrimp fingerlings were damaged.
Livestock was not spared, with losses estimated at P6,250, including one goat (P5,000), four chickens (P1,000), and one rabbit (P250).
City Agriculturist, Engr. Sheila Marie Opelac emphasized the ongoing assessment and validation of damages to determine appropriate support for affected farmers.
“We encourage our farmers who suffered losses in their crops and livestock to report to our agricultural extension workers assigned in each barangay in the city so we can add it to our progress report,” she said.
The City Agriculture Office continues to advise farmers to monitor their farms, fisherfolk to secure their equipment, and livestock owners to provide proper care for their animals as inclement weather persists.
Opelac added that the final damage report will be available by next week. (AMB/EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)
