‘Crising’ agri toll hits P134M

Agricultural damage and losses surged to P134.66 million as of Tuesday morning, up sharply from the P96.9 million reported just a day earlier, as the combined wrath of the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone ‘Crising’ battered farms and fisheries across seven regions.

In its latest bulletin, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said 6,377 farmers and fisherfolk across seven regions were affected, with damage covering 8,035 hectares of farmland and production losses reaching 3,412 metric tons.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, and livestock.

The losses were based on assessments from DA Regional Field Offices in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas, but are still subject to validation.

“Further damage and losses are expected in affected regions as assessment and validation are ongoing,” the agency said.

To provide a financial cushion to affected farmers and fishers, the DA mobilized P495.44 million worth of assistance, consisting of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds from its field offices.

Additional support included access to the Quick Response Fund, zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program, and indemnification for insured farmers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

The DA also said it conducted field validation and coordinated closely with national agencies and local governments to assess needs, address road obstructions affecting the food supply chain, and monitor potential price spikes in agricultural commodities.