Manila: Coconut farms in the Bicol Region recorded the most damage during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), the Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) said Wednesday. DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla reported that initial data on agricultural damage in the six provinces of Bicol reached PHP3.70 billion.

According to Philippines News Agency, among the produce, coconut suffered the most damage with 128,761 hectares of coconut plantations owned by 125,679 farmers affected. More than 3,398 hectares were completely damaged, resulting in losses amounting to PHP1.18 billion. Abaca came in second, with 54,205 hectares damaged, owned by 23,807 abacaleros, with estimated losses of PHP1.03 billion. Abacaleros are workers or artisans who process abaca fiber.

Among the provinces, Camarines Sur suffered the most damage, with losses reaching PHP1.5 billion, followed by Catanduanes with PHP1 billion in damages. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture prepared intervention and buffer stocks worth PHP1.2 billion for farmers affected by the super typhoon. Tornilla mentioned that the interventions include seeds, fertilizers, vegetable seeds, garden tools, and hauling trucks.

About PHP25 million is allocated under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan program, allowing each affected farmer to secure a loan of PHP25,000. Additionally, the Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation has allotted PHP7.1 million for insurance indemnification for typhoon victims throughout the region. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority has begun selling PHP20 rice worth PHP19.5 million, available at accredited NFA provincial offices and farmers’ cooperative associations outlets in Bicol.