Agri damage from Crising, Dante, Emong, Habagat reaches P1.12B

The damage incurred by the country’s agri-fisheries sector due to Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has exceeded P1 billion, as reported by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In its situation report, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center stated that the damage and losses in various agricultural sectors have reached P1.12 billion, with a production loss of 26,566 metric tons (MT).

The weather disturbances impacted 45,408 farmers and fisherfolk and 43,741 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas across multiple regions in the country.

Further assessments are ongoing, and more damage is anticipated in the affected regions, according to the DA.

To assist affected farmers and fisherfolk, the Agriculture Department is providing various forms of aid, including agricultural inputs, rice stocks, a Quick Response Fund, a Survival and Recovery Loan Program, and insurance coverage for affected farmers.

Regional Field Offices of the DA in the affected areas are conducting field validations, coordinating with relevant agencies and local governments, and monitoring agricultural commodities to ensure price stability.

In areas under a State of Calamity, a price ceiling on agricultural commodities is in effect as per the Price Act.