Rescuers in Negros Occidental during typhoon Crising.
AGRICULTURE Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro, officer-in-charge of the Department of Agriculture (DA), on Sunday directed all DA agencies to mobilize swiftly and extend immediate assistance to farmers and fisherfolk adversely affected by Tropical Storm Crising, intensified further by the relentless Southwest Monsoon.
“We must act without delay—weather permitting—to ease the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Usec. Navarro, underscoring the need for urgent government’s response in the wake of TS Crising.
Preliminary reports estimate the combined damage from the storm and monsoon at around P53 million across Western Visayas and Region IV-B, which includes Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Around 2,099 farmers tending to more than 2,400 hectares were affected. Officials noted, however, that this figure is still subject to validation.
Floodwaters have submerged fields planted with rice, corn, and other high-value crops. Poultry and livestock operations have also suffered losses. Meanwhile, damage assessments in the fisheries sector are still underway.
Even the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Mindoro was not spared from the flooding.
Despite the setbacks, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that the agency has begun releasing rice stocks to local government units and national agencies as part of the ongoing disaster response. In Palawan alone, 500 sacks have already been distributed.
Jovy Bernabe, president of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), announced that a rapid assessment of the affected areas will be immediately undertaken to initiate the processing of insurance claims for covered farmers.
“The PCIC has instructed its personnel to extend full assistance to affected farmers and expedite the processing of their damage claims,” Bernabe said.
Aside from PCIC indemnification, the DA may also extend further support to affected farmers and fisherfolk. This includes the provision of agricultural inputs—such as seeds, livestock, and biologics—through regional field offices; rehabilitation assistance under the Quick Response Fund; and zero-interest loans of up to ₱25,000 through the SURE Loan Program, payable over three years.
