DA: Agricultural Damage from Recent Cyclones, Habagat Reaches ₱600M

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that damage to the agricultural sector caused by tropical cyclones Ferdie, Gener, Helen, and the southwest monsoon (Habagat) has reached over ₱600 million. The total production loss amounted to ₱600.83 million, with 27,427 metric tons of crops lost across 11,696 hectares of farmland.

Rice suffered the most significant damage, with losses totaling ₱562.75 million, accounting for 26,072 metric tons. Corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry also incurred losses amounting to ₱19.04 million, ₱18.22 million, and ₱819,200, respectively. Around 11,170 farmers were affected by these weather disturbances.

The most impacted areas were Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that the department has prepared seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables to assist farmers in replanting through its Quick Response Fund.

Other assistance includes the Survival and Recovery Loan Program with up to ₱25,000 in loanable amounts, and support from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.