By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) yesterday reported nearly P1.8 million worth of crops were either damaged or destroyed following an enhanced southwest monsoon that struck Negros Occidental last week.

In the official report by OPA head, Atty. Japhet Masculino, crop damage was recorded in Kabankalan City, San Enrique, Pulupandan, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, and Moises Padilla.

Records also revealed a total of 354 rice farmers and 13 corn farmers were affected, with San Enrique reporting a total P592,530 worth of damages, followed by Hinigaran with P519,750.

Earlier, OPA reported a total P525,810 worth of rice crop damage in Negros Occidental, following heavy rains brought about by Tropical Depression “Henry.”/DGB, WDJ