The damage sustained by the banana industry mounted to over P11
billion in the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo, the strongest to hit Mindanao
in two decades, as more reports from southern Philippines reached the
Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) on Friday.
The numbers may further go up as reports from still unreached areas come in.
"As of noon today [Friday]... losses – excluding infrastructure – is
already at P8.03 billion," the PBGEA told GMA News Online in a text
message, adding that damage to infrastructure was estimated at P3
billion.
The estimate covers 14,175 hectares of
plantation in Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and
Bukidnon – home to Cavendish-exporting companies.
The organization noted that "there are still some plantations that
could not be reached, but damage will likely settle near the P11 billion
mark."
The Trade Department Friday morning said 18 percent of banana plantations in eastern Mindanao were devastated by Typhoon Pablo, prompting PBGEA to say growers will "not hit targets" as they have already defaulted on shipments.
"Members are in constant communication with partners overseas. We hope
that we can still provide them shipments, but reaching targets are
unlikely," the organization added.
As of this
posting, PBGEA said its member-companies are meeting with Cabinet
officials and President Benigno S. Aquino III on ways to help the
industry recover from the devastation.
"As much as possible we want to minimize costs by having tax breaks..." the PBGEA added. — VS, GMA News
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