• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Damage to agricultural crops in Negros Occidental due to southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Crising has increased to P44.4 million, reports of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Negros Island Region showed.
The RDRRMC, in a report dated July 22, said 1,784 farmers were also affected, with 1,332 metric tons in production losses.
A total of P22.5 million worth of assistance were extended to the flood victims, wherein the amount includes those released by local government units, provincial government, and various national government agencies.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) distributed P1.9 million in food assistance to flood victims in Negros Occidental.
PSWDO head Chiqui Gonzales said Wednesday, July 23, the food assistance benefitted 3,200 families.
Gonzales said they are preparing food packs for Negrense families to be affected by the continuing southwest monsoon.
The Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion also placed its troops and resources on standby and alert status for potential humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
In a statement, its commander Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga said they proactively prepare their personnel, mobility assets, and disaster response equipment to provide immediate assistance to local government units and concerned agencies in high-risk and vulnerable areas. | GB
