MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday assured preparations for the possible effect of Tropical Depression (TD) Amang.   In a statement, the DA said it braces for the possible impact of the inclement weather on the standing crops of rice and corn.  “Based on  data of affected regions (Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol region and Eastern Visayas) as of today, the area of standing crops that may be affected by Tropical Depression “Amang” totals 632,706 hectares with 602,728 hectares for rice and 29,978 hectares for corn,” it said.  Although TD Amang is forecasted to weaken into a low-pressure area (LPA), the DA activated its regional disaster risk reduction and management operation centers.  It also cited other actions, including the “prepositioning of seeds for rice and corn, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry in safe storage facilities; and coordination with the local government units (LGU) counterparts.” The DA added that continuous advisories were disseminated to local government units (LGUs), organizations and other farmers’ leaders.  The actual situation on the ground is also being monitored to assess possible damage to crops and livestock.  Meanwhile, the DA said it will also implement usual interventions for farmers that may be possibly be affected.  These include the distribution of “rice, corn, and vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings and aid from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); zero interest survival and recovery loan program; and activation of quick response fund.”