Total damage caused by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Luzon earlier this week on irrigation facilities is estimated at P20 million.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said this will increase in the coming days as inspections continue.
NIA said based on the agency’s Ilocos field office, P15 million worth of damage were incurred in the main canal of Banaoang pump irrigation system in the municipality of Bantay, Ilocos Sur affecting irrigation service to about 2,000 hectares of agricultural land.
NIA’s Cordillera Administrative Region office said P5 million worth of damage were recorded in the Abra satellite office.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture said it is coordinating with local government units on the impact of the earthquake as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.
The DA added no damage and losses have been reported so far in agriculture and fisheries commodities and infrastructures that could hamper food supply. – Jed Macapagal
