Heavy rainfall and strong winds have led to damage across more than eight hectares of banana plantations in Antipas, Cotabato. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has reported that two banana plantations have been affected, with 8.2 hectares in Barangay Canaan and 0.16 hectares in Barangay Magsaysay sustaining damage. It is estimated that between 800 to 1,000 banana trees have been compromised, impacting approximately 15 farmers in the area.
Further reports from the Municipal Agriculture Office indicate that the financial toll of the damage exceeds P5 million (US$ 85 132). MDRRMO-Antipas Head, Jo Verdeblanco, noted, "Based on the assessment, the damage is only portion-portion. That means, the wind moves quickly because the one that was hit is not the only one that is damaged." The adverse weather conditions, including the downpour and strong winds, are attributed to Typhoon Marce, as Verdeblanco explained, "Because that's the time, the low-pressure area will enter...tropical depression Marce."
Source: GMA Network