Early harvest by farmers saved as much as P17.53 billion of rice and corn crops planted to areas along the path of Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni), the 18th weather disturbance to hit the country this year.
That latest report released by the Department of Agriculture suggested a total 242,638 hectares of rice had been saved from Regions I, II, III, IV-A, and V with an equivalent production of 1,071,344 metric tons amounting to P16.96 billion.
Malacañang, meanwhile, has given assurances that prices of basic goods and commodities remained stable and within prevailing prices amid Rolly's onslaught.
In a press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Department of Trade and Industry would conduct regular monitoring to apprehend unscrupulous retailers.
"According to the DTI, generally price and supply of basic necessities and price commodities remain stable," Roque said.
He said the DTI was also monitoring to ensure that suggested retail price would be followed particularly in areas to be heavily affected by the typhoon.
Saved corn, meanwhile, amounted to P579 million from a total of 11,132 hectares in Regions I, II, V, and VIII. Total volume of corn saved amounted to 45,703 MT.
The DA closely coordinates with concerned non-government organizations, local government units and other Disaster Risk Reduction-related offices on the impact of Rolly and for the provision of available resources for interventions and assistance.
It has also syncrhonized movements with water management-related agencies for flood risk monitoring and dam water release as well as it also closely monitored possible damage and losses that may be incurred in the agri-fisheries sector.
The DA has readied the following provisions for affected farmers : 133,326 bags of rice seeds; 17,545 bags of corn seeds; 1,980 kgs of assorted vegetables; and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry;
It has also prepared as much as P400 million for Quick Response Fund the help farmers rehabilitate damaged areas affected by the typhoon and financial assiatance through the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
The DA also assured farmers of indemnification fund from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to pay for crops losses.
Roque warned retailers against taking advantage of the typhoon to jack up the prices of basic goods and commodities.
He urged retailers to practice the spirit of "bayanihan" by keeping prices stable.
"The request of the President at this time of calamity, I hope we practice bayanihan. Don't take advantage of the needs of our countrymen," he said.
Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of 1992 states that prices of basic necessities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control whenever the area is proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under a state of calamity.
