3,600 Camarines Norte farmers, fishers lose crops, bancas to ‘Uwan’

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Nearly 3,600 farmers and fishermen in Camarines Norte lost crops and fishing boats to Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), which swept through the Bicol region on November 9 and the following day.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported that the agricultural damage caused by Uwan has reached an estimated P105.4 million, affecting 712.97 hectares of farmland. Of this, 301.15 hectares are still recoverable, while 399.45 hectares are considered beyond recovery.

Provincial Agriculturist Almirante Abad said that the crops that suffered the most losses include rice (palay), corn, bananas, coconuts, and other high-value crops. Additionally, 137 fishing bancas were destroyed.

In response to the disaster, Camarines Norte Acting Governor Joseph Ascutia led the distribution of immediate assistance to the islands’ residents.

“Uwan’s effect on us is huge, especially on the crops, and the area of Calaguas Island has been severely affected,” he said.

Ascutia said he prioritized aid to Mercedes fishermen, who were unable to fish for several days.

The provincial government distributed five kilograms of rice to each of the 41,338 households in the towns of Mercedes, Daet, Sta. Elena, Talisay, Jose Panganiban, Paracale, and Labo.

Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided a total of 4,200 food packs to Calaguas Island on November 13.

Abad noted that farmers with insured crops can enlist and file claims with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

According to the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Uwan has injured seven individuals and affected a total of 96,964 people in Camarines Norte. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)