NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Farmers and Fishermen Most Affected by 'Amang'
Photo credit: Department of Agriculture - DRRM Operations Center
The Department of Agriculture's Regional Field Office (RFO) V has conducted an initial assessment of the damage and losses brought by "AMANG" in the agri-fisheries sector. Based on the assessment, rice, high-value crops, and livestock have been affected, amounting to PhP 12.34 million, and impacting 1,324 farmers. The volume of production loss is estimated at 663.9 metric tons (MT), with 1,096.6 hectares of agricultural areas in Camarines Sur and Sorsogon being affected. However, these values are still subject to validation.
As of 12:00 noon today, April 13, 2023, the tropical depression locally known as "AMANG" has weakened into a Low Pressure Area (LPA), according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The remnant circulation of "AMANG" is forecasted to track generally northwestward or west northwestward towards Polillo Islands and northern mainland Quezon. Although the weather disturbance may dissipate in the next 24 hours, scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are still expected in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and CALABARZON.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its RFOs, is closely monitoring the effects of "AMANG" and coordinating with other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM)-related offices for the impacts and available resources for interventions and assistance. Several interventions are available for distribution to the affected farmers and fishers, including rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry, fingerlings and assistance for affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with a loanable amount of up to PhP 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest, and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
Despite "AMANG" weakening into a remnant low, the public is still advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to flash floods and rain-induced landslides. Regular updates from PAGASA and other government agencies should be monitored for the latest weather information and advisories.
As of 12:00 noon today, April 13, 2023, the tropical depression locally known as "AMANG" has weakened into a Low Pressure Area (LPA), according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The remnant circulation of "AMANG" is forecasted to track generally northwestward or west northwestward towards Polillo Islands and northern mainland Quezon. Although the weather disturbance may dissipate in the next 24 hours, scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are still expected in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and CALABARZON.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its RFOs, is closely monitoring the effects of "AMANG" and coordinating with other government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM)-related offices for the impacts and available resources for interventions and assistance. Several interventions are available for distribution to the affected farmers and fishers, including rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry, fingerlings and assistance for affected fisherfolk from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with a loanable amount of up to PhP 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest, and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
Despite "AMANG" weakening into a remnant low, the public is still advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to flash floods and rain-induced landslides. Regular updates from PAGASA and other government agencies should be monitored for the latest weather information and advisories.
Apr 13, 2023
