By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The damage to livestock in Negros Occidental caused by the southwest monsoon and enhanced by Typhoon “Goring,” has climbed to P122.5 million, the latest data from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed yesterday.

PVO head Dr. Placeda Lemana said, as of yesterday, 470 livestock deaths were recorded in the province’s 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th districts, with damages amounting to more than P2.5 million.

The livestock that were affected by monsoon rains include horses, carabaos, goats, ducks, and native chickens.

Several hog deaths were also recorded, although it can be attributed to the inclement weather experienced in the province instead of the hog illnesses that ravaged several pig farms in Negros Occidental a few months ago.

Lemana said local government units continue to conduct damage assessments among local livestock.

The provincial and regional offices of the Department of Agriculture may hand out assistance to the affected livestock farmers.

Meanwhile, a total of P116.8 million worth of rice, corn and high-value crops were damaged, data from the OPA showed yesterday.

A total of 2,888 farmers in 67 villages across 13 local government units were affected by the poor weather conditions.

OPA officer-in-charge Dr. Dina Genzola revealed an estimated P1,447,000 in fishery losses was also recorded from fish pens in two local government units which overflowed due to the non-stop rains.

A damage assessment is also made for possible aid to the affected farmers, while authorities are finding a way to recover some damaged crops./DGB, WDJ