• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Damage to livestock and poultry industry in Negros Occidental due to the prevailing drought was valued at P13,784,650, following the deaths of 14,598 chickens and ruminants as of May 13, according to a report of the Provincial Veterinary Office.
In her report to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, said that affected were 1,139 animal raisers in 115 barangays of 24 local government units in Negros Occidental.
The poultry industry suffered most after 13,664 chickens died, valued at P6.5 million while 583 heads of swine, 278 heads of goat and sheep, 44 heads of carabaos, 24 heads of cattle and five rabbits also died.
Lemana reported further that in the cities of La Carlota and Bago as well as the municipalities of Hinigaran, Binalbagan, Pontevedra, Murcia and Moises Padilla, 183.15 hectares of pasture valued at P2,685,500 were damaged by drought.
Total amount of damage to both livestock and pasture area was pegged at P16,470,150. | GB
