The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that damage and losses to the agricultural sector from Super Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) have nearly reached P400 million. According to the DA’s latest situation bulletin, the total production loss is valued at P399.91 million, equating to 5,599 metric tons (MT) and 23,256 hectares of affected agricultural areas across several regions including Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
Impact Breakdown:
- Rice: P356.28 million, 4,578 MT
- Corn: P19.07 million, 545 MT
- High-Value Crops: P24.15 million, 477 MT
- Livestock: P411,950, affecting 2,508 heads of chicken, swine, cattle, goat, sheep, duck, and buffalo
- Affected Farmers: 21,785
“These values are subject to validation,” the DA stated.
Additional Information:
- Dam Gates Open: Ambuklao and Binga dam gates remain open.
- Marcos’ Orders: President Marcos has directed government agencies to deliver aid to inaccessible areas in Rizal.
- Casualties: Deaths in Luzon due to Habagat and Carina have risen to 34, according to the PNP.
DA’s Response and Assistance:
- Validation and Assessment: The DA, alongside regional field offices and local disaster risk reduction and management offices, is actively validating and assessing the damage’s impact on agriculture and fisheries.
- Assistance Measures:
- Seeds Distribution: 72,174 bags of rice seeds, 39,546 bags of corn seeds, 59,600 pouches, and 1,966 kilograms of vegetable seeds.
- Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program: Loans up to Php 25,000, payable in three years at zero interest.
- Quick Response Fund (QRF): For the rehabilitation of affected areas.
- Crop Insurance: Funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.
Despite the significant damage, DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa reassured that there would be no shortage in the supply of rice, corn, and high-value crops, citing a strong harvest from the previous year and a good dry season harvest.
“The DA-DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina,” the agency added.