Agricultural Damage from Typhoon Kristine Reaches P1.69 Billion

Agricultural losses from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine have risen to PHP 1.69 billion, affecting regions across the Philippines, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). Impacted areas include the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

As of the latest data, the storm has affected 42,346 farmers and damaged 37,590 hectares of farmland, resulting in a production loss of 108,266 metric tons (MT). Rice accounted for the majority of losses at 104,198 MT, with damages also reported in corn, cassava, high-value crops, livestock, poultry, and agricultural infrastructure.

The DA has allocated PHP 531.72 million in agricultural inputs for distribution to affected farmers and will provide support through the Quick Response Fund, the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. The DA plans to conduct field evaluations as conditions improve.

Although Kristine exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, PAGASA noted it could re-enter over the West Philippine Sea by Sunday.