By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Based on a report by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, recent heavy rains have caused around P6.5 million in damages to agro-fishery products throughout Negros Occidental.

Cadiz City experienced P2.86 million in losses, with 75.2 hectares of rice farms reporting damages; while Victorias City recorded P1.77 million in losses, with 240 hectares of rice farms experiencing damages.

Provincial agriculturist, Atty. Japhet Masculino, expects costs to increase as the report proceeds.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported initial damages of P1.86 million.

Raisers of bulk poultry animals, such as free-range chicken and game fowl, were the most affected, the PVO said./DGB, WDJ