MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday revealed that to date, the total damage and losses amounted to P3.22 billion.

In a post made by Anakpawis Party-list, the DA also reported in its Bulletin No. 7 “On Tall Volcano Eruption”, issued at 5 pm of January 19, that the  volcanic eruption and ashfall affected 16,150 hectares of farmlands, and caused the death of 55,881 head of various farm animals that include chicken, carabao, cattle, horse, swine and goat.

“The increase in the amount is due to reports of damage on cassava in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna,” said the DA in its report.

Both the DA-RFO (Regional Field Office)  4A and DA-BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources)4A continue to validate the impact of damage.

The DA said they continuously provide support to Taal Volcano eruption-affected farmers and fisherfolk.

To help farmers, fishers and other rural folk adversely affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, the DA, led by Secretary William Dar, has prepared and undertaken the following actions:

DA-RFO 4A (CALABARZON) will distribute 1,600 food packs to the Taal Volcano Eruption victims.

DA-NFA (National Food Authority) released 599 bags of rice and Valenzuela City will buy 9,600 bags for distribution. Moreover, NFA Administrator Judy Dansal committed 2,000 sacks of 50-kg rice, of which 1,000 were distributed on January 20.

DA-RFO 2 has donated 175 bags of rice. Moreover, DA-RFO 1 will donate 350 cavans and DA-CARFO (Cordillera Administrative Regional Field Office) will donate 120 cavans of rice. DA-CARFO will provide their donations by Friday (January 24).

Vegetable Farmers’ and Traders’ Associations in La Trinidad, Benguet, thru DA-CARFO, delivered six tons of assorted vegetables in Batangas evacuation centers. (STACY  ANG/IAMIGO/Currentph.com)