Gov’t mobilizes aid after ‘Crising’ damage

Agriculture workers affected by Tropical Storm Crising and the intensified Southwest Monsoon stand to receive financial aid as the Department of Agriculture (DA) moves to deliver immediate relief and recovery support.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro said Sunday all attached agencies are ordered to respond swiftly. 

“We must act without delay—weather permitting—to ease the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk,” Navarro said.

Preliminary reports place the combined damage at about P53 million across Western Visayas and Region IV-B, covering Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Some 2,099 farmers tending over 2,400 hectares were affected, though officials noted these figures are still under validation.

Flooding destroyed rice, corn, and high-value crops, while poultry, livestock, and fisheries operations also sustained losses. Even the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Mindoro was hit by floodwaters.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed the agency has started distributing rice stocks to local government units and national agencies, with 500 sacks already delivered in Palawan.

Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) President Jovy Bernabe, on the other hand, said a rapid assessment is underway to fast-track insurance claims. 

“The PCIC has instructed its personnel to extend full assistance to affected farmers and expedite the processing of their damage claims,” he said.

The DA may also extend support through regional field offices in the form of seeds, livestock, and biologics; rehabilitation aid from the Quick Response Fund; and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 under the SURE Loan Program, payable in three years.