P1.79 Billion Damage from Tropical Cyclones Hits Philippines Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng have caused significant damage to the agriculture sector. The total damage and losses incurred amount to P1.79 billion, affecting 51,229 farmers and destroying 41,647 hectares of agricultural land. This is in addition to 44,745 metric tons of production losses recorded.
The affected areas include eight regions: Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas. The DA noted that rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and agri-fisheries infrastructures, machinery, and equipment were among the commodities affected.
The DA has provided interventions to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the weather disturbances, including P210.93 million worth of agricultural inputs, 3,631 bags of palay-milled rice from the National Food Authority (NFA), and indemnification for insured affected farmers and fisherfolk through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).