THE Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRM) of the Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) is intensifying its efforts to improve the rapid validation and assessment of damages in the agricultural sector across the region.
Joedel Leliza, the DRRM focal person, acknowledged that documenting agricultural damages remains a challenge due to the limited capacity of local government units (LGUs) to validate affected areas. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the LGUs’ reporting system, as access to government interventions and funding relies on accurate data.
“We need to prepare our LGUs, pinakauna namo nga gina work out karun is to strengthen their reporting system because didtoa ta sa report maka access ug intervention and funds (We need to prepare our LGUs. Our priority right now is to enhance their reporting system because it is through these reports that we can access the necessary interventions and funds),” Leliza said during the TechTalks session on February 28, 2025.
To address this issue, DA-Davao is set to conduct region-wide training to equip LGUs with the necessary skills and tools for disaster assessment. Leliza stressed that accurate documentation is crucial in securing assistance for farmers and communities affected by calamities.
Leliza revealed that from 2003 to 2019, the Davao Region suffered approximately P200 billion in agricultural losses, with flooding identified as the leading cause. He emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness measures, not just at the community level but also among farmers.
In 2024 alone, the combined impact of the shear line and a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) resulted in an estimated P1.4 billion in agricultural losses.
The rice sector was hit the hardest, accounting for P661 million in damages, followed by high-value crops at P625 million, corn at P86 million, livestock and poultry at P57 million, and irrigation at P61 million.
DRRM plays a crucial role in maintaining updated data on crops, livestock, and fisheries, particularly in disaster-prone areas. This enables them to monitor and assess damages, ensuring timely interventions for affected farmers.
To further strengthen response efforts, the office also conducts field surveys to determine the extent of damage to agricultural lands, livestock, and fisheries, ensuring that necessary assistance reaches those in need. RGP