NEGROS ORIENTAL — The recent El Niño phenomenon has resulted in extensive agricultural damage across Negros Oriental, with losses now exceeding PHP 229 million, impacting crops, fisheries, and infrastructure throughout the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, a report from the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) dated April 18, the total estimated financial impact of these losses stands at PHP 229.881 million. The assessment includes a wide range of agricultural sectors such as rice, corn, high-value crops like fruits and vegetables, as well as fisheries, livestock, and various agricultural infrastructures across 13 local areas.
The municipalities and cities affected include Mabinay, Bayawan City, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bais City, Dumaguete City, La Libertad, Tanjay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Dauin, Tayasan, and Canlaon City. Notably, Mabinay experienced the most severe losses, with over PHP 90.6 million in high-value crops and an additional PHP 18.5 million in rice damages. Zamboanguita reported significant damages as well, particularly a PHP 23.5 million loss pertaining to its irrigation system.
The report further highlighted that a total of 5,193 farmers and fisherfolk have been adversely affected by the El Niño. It also detailed that approximately 1,306 hectares of land have been completely devastated with no prospect of recovery, while around 3,542 hectares have suffered partial damage but may still be salvageable.
Officials from DA-PATCO expressed concern that the total damage estimate might increase as additional reports from other local government units are still pending.