Habagat causes PHP3.3-M in livestock damage in Negros Occ

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) reported PHP3.3 million in livestock damage across Negros Occidental due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

As of noon on Sept. 23, 3,108 heads of livestock were affected in 402 households across 71 barangays in the province.

Isabela town recorded the highest livestock losses at PHP1.1 million, followed by Valladolid at P691,435 and Bago City at P394,264.

In addition to these areas, 12 other localities reported livestock damage, including the towns of Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Pulupandan, Hinigaran, Candoni, and Ilog, and the cities of Silay, Victorias, Talisay, La Carlota, and Sipalay.

Valladolid also declared a state of calamity due to heavy rains worsened by a recent typhoon. Three other local government units—San Enrique, Hinigaran, and La Carlota City—are also under a state of calamity.

As of 5 p.m. on Sept. 23, 160 barangays sustained damage to rice and corn crops, totaling P146.18 million, while losses in fisheries were estimated at P1.78 million, affecting 15 barangays.

In total, 56,807 families, or 207,197 individuals, were affected in 261 barangays across 25 localities.

Additionally, 29 areas experienced flooding, and nine landslides were reported.

A total of 1,035 houses were damaged, with 46 completely destroyed and 989 partially damaged.