Soccsksargen, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Friday that the recent 6.8-magnitude earthquake in the Soccsksargen region resulted in PHP7.25 million in damages and losses to the agricultural sector. The quake, which occurred on November 17, has significantly impacted local farmers and fisherfolk.
According to Philippines News Agency, the earthquake affected 120 farmers and fisherfolk, resulting in a production loss of approximately 168 metric tons across 81 hectares of agricultural land. The commodities most affected include corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fisheries. Despite the devastation, the transport of food and agricultural commodities remains unhampered, with several highways reopened by local government units.
The DA is actively assessing the situation and coordinating with various national agencies, local governments, and disaster risk reduction and management offices. A buffer stock of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds has been pre-positioned and is ready for distribution to the affected farmers, as part of the department's efforts to provide immediate assistance and support recovery.