Storm leaves ‘minimal’ damage to Negocc poultry, livestock

THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental has reported a “minimal” losses to the province’s poultry and livestock sector due to the recent onslaught of Tropical Storm Falcon.

The PVO, in a report submitted to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday, said the typhoon left a total damage of P846,818.56 covering the period of July 15 to 18.

The figure accounts for 27 affected barangays from eight local government units (LGUS) in the province.

These localities are Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, San Enrique, La Carlota City, Isabela, Ilog and Kabankalan City.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said the “minimal” amount of damage to animals can be associated to various measures implemented by the PVO.

Decena said all district and city veterinarians, livestock technicians, paravets, and poultry and livestock association members have been trained on disaster preparedness.

“The regular conduct of information and education campaigns to livestock and poultry raisers in different barangays provincewide have increased their awareness on disaster preparedness, risk reduction and response,” he added.

The PVO District Field Units and paravets also conducted close coordination and monitoring with the affected LGUS.

It is an effective means of relaying early warning notice to affected and vulnerable areas, Decena said.

“Veterinary drugs and biologics have been stockpiled at PVO District Field Units and readily available for quick response,” he added.

For the crop sector, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) earlier reported rice production losess worth P7.1 million.

The figure covers 846 affected farmers with a total area of 1,092.20 hectares in 40 barangays of Valladolid, San Enrique and Bago City.*