‘Crising’, habagat inflict P454M in farm damage; rice farmers hit hardest

AGRICULTURAL losses from the combined effect of Tropical Cyclone Crising and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) have reached P454.1 million, with rice and high-value crops bearing the brunt, according to data released Thursday by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a report to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro  indicated that the flooding and heavy rains affected about 20,413 hectares of farmland and affected 20,959 farmers and fisherfolk. Most of those impacted—16,937 farmers—were rice growers. Of the 18,490 hectares of affected rice lands, 3,504 hectares were declared totally damaged.

Estimated production losses amounted to 8,256 metric tons of rice, valued at around P275 million. Provinces hit hardest include Occidental Mindoro, Cagayan Valley, Palawan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

Around 3,540 metric tons of high value crops valued at P117.2 million were estimated to have been lost due to impact of TC Crising and Habagat while damage to corn crops was estimated at P38.9 million.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tui Laurel Jr. informed the President of the ongoing initiatives of DA in response to the affected farming areas. As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to hasten the farm and fishery sectors’ recovery, the DA is distributing P596.5 million worth of agricultural and fishery inputs, such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds; seedlings; pesticides; forage seeds; free-range chickens; and fingerlings.

In addition, 2,100 bags of rice from the National Food Authority have been delivered to local government units in Palawan, Polangui, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Albay.

The DA will tap its Quick Response Fund to fast-track rehabilitation, while the Agricultural Credit Policy Council has earmarked P400 million in interest-free loans under its Survival and Recovery (SURE) program. “These figures are still subject to change pending on-the-ground validation. “This is an ongoing disaster, and with more storms entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the impact of Habagat may intensify.” The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has also been ordered to expedite indemnity payments to affected farmers and fisherfolk.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., just back from medical leave attended the visits of the President to the affected said DA undersecretaries and other key officials will immediately head to the hardest-hit provinces to see the situation for themselves and find out what farmers and fisherfolk need most. “Our farmers and fisherfolk have been through a lot.” Tiu Laurel said. “We want to be there with them, listen to their concerns, and respond quickly so they can get back on their feet and move forward.