‘Julian’ leaves P17.8-M initial damage to agri in La Union

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan - The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has recorded PHP17.8 million worth of initial damage to agriculture from Super Typhoon Julian. Based on the report of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) to the PDRRMO on Monday, the weather disturbance affected around 303.36 hectares of land in various parts of the province. Of the total damage, PHP15.76 million involves rice crops in the towns of Bacnotan, Bangar, San Juan, San Gabriel, Luna, Sudipen, Bagulin, Caba, Pugo, Santo Tomas, and Naguilian. Around 561 farmers, tilling about 293.66 hectares of land, were affected. Initial damage to high-value crops is estimated at around PHP2 million, planted by 84 farmers in about 8.95 hectares of land in Naguilian and San Gabriel towns. Around PHP40,500 worth of corn crops in Sudipen town was damaged. 'This is still for validation and finalization of the OPAg,' the Provincial Information Office said. In his report, La Union PDRRMO chief Aure liano Rulloda III said there were no reported casualties as well as damage to fisheries and infrastructure. Source: Philippines News Agency