Baguio: The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) has commenced its risk disaster assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) following several days of inclement weather. "We decided to do it already so that we can start submitting our recommendation for immediate replenishment of plants and determine the appropriate assistance needed by our stakeholders," stated DA-CAR Director, lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan, in a message on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the RDANA was conducted at a strawberry farm on Monday, in collaboration with the local government of La Trinidad and the Benguet Provincial Agriculture Office. This assessment comes after Typhoon Emong caused several strawberry plants and cut flowers to go underwater last week, jeopardizing the recovery of these plants in time for the berry season from November to May.
Dawayan emphasized that the RDANA is not merely procedural following a disaster but is essential for determining the necessary interventions to ensure a continuous supply of agricultural products for local and national markets. With persistent rains and winds affecting the region, farmers are being urged to report any damage to plants, farms, livestock, fisheries, machinery, equipment, and irrigation facilities, along with photographic evidence, to be considered for potential intervention.
The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) reported production losses of 8.34 metric tons from July 17 to 26, amounting to PHP657,404 due to adverse weather conditions. Over 1.25 hectares of farms have been entirely destroyed, with an additional 117.89 hectares classified as partially damaged. Dawayan noted, "The situation could be different with the continued downpour and rains we are experiencing due to the southwest monsoon."
