By JEN BAYLON

The damage to agriculture due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, and enhanced by Typhoons “Ferdie” and “Gener” in Negros Occidental reached P296 million, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported.

OPA head Dina Genzola said monsoon rains affected 194 barangays in 26 local government units, highlighting its widespread impact on the province’s agricultural productivity.

Rice fields suffered damage amounting to P275,980,407.39, with 7,086 farmers affected and 6,148.74 hectares devastated.

Corn sustained damage worth P3,110,802.25, while high-value crops suffered losses worth P5,901,125.

Damage in the fisheries sector due to monsoon rains totaled P11,158,372, with 292 fisherfolk in 64 barangays affected.

The provincial government is expected to address the needs of the affected farmers and fisherfolk, and coordinate efforts for rehabilitation and recovery./JB, WDJ