The country’s farm sector is reeling from P5.16 billion in combined losses from Tropical Cyclones "Tino" and "Uwan", and before recovery can even begin, another threat looms as Tropical Depression "Verbena" enters the country.
In its latest report released on Monday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the recent twin typhoons affected 135,616 farmers and fisherfolk, damaging 117,458 hectares of agricultural land and wiping out an estimated 202,015 metric tons (MT) of produce.
The agency said figures may still rise as assessment and validation continue.
For Uwan alone, reported losses reached P4.19 billion, with damage recorded across rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, abaca, livestock and poultry, fisheries, and agricultural infrastructure.
The storm impacted 85,689 farmers and fisherfolk, with production losses pegged at 164,274 MT over 99,572 hectares.
To aid recovery, the DA said it has positioned aid for affected communities, including P414.51 million worth of farm inputs, P1.24 million in animal feeds and supplements, and P771,620 in bangus and tilapia fingerlings.
The National Food Authority has also allocated 25,660 bags of rice for distribution to LGUs and relief agencies.
Other available support includes the DA’s Quick Response Fund, zero-interest loans of up to P25,00, and crop insurance payouts from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.
Regional offices in Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa have begun distributing hybrid rice and white corn seeds in areas hit by Uwan. The agency is also monitoring commodity prices and road conditions, with price ceilings enforced in calamity areas under the Price Act.
The DA said its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center will continue issuing updates as assessments progress and as the country braces for potential impacts from Verbena.