Agricultural Damage from Typhoon Carina and Habagat Surpasses P1 Billion

Heavy Rains and Flooding Devastate Philippine Agriculture Sector

The Philippine agricultural sector has sustained over P1 billion in damage and losses due to the heavy rains and flooding brought by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon (Habagat). The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the total value of production loss has reached P1.17 billion, affecting 18,086 metric tons (MT) of produce and 42,708 hectares of agricultural land.

Extensive Impact on Crops and Livestock

According to the DA’s latest bulletin, the affected regions include the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. The combined effects of Carina and Habagat impacted 40,904 farmers and fisherfolk.

• Rice: The most affected commodity, with losses amounting to P660.6 million and a volume loss of 10,272 MT.
• Fisheries: Incurred P360.8 million in losses, affecting 3,334 fisherfolk.
• High-Value Crops: Sustained P79.35 million worth of damage, equivalent to a volume loss of 1,915 MT.
• Corn: Experienced a value loss of P65.40 million with a volume loss of 3,104 MT.
• Livestock: Incurred a loss of P1.32 million, equivalent to 5,593 heads of chicken, swine, cattle, goat, sheep, duck, and buffalo killed.

Damage to Infrastructure and Equipment

The agricultural infrastructure, machinery, and equipment also suffered damage amounting to P1.6 million.

DA’s Response and Assistance

The DA, in collaboration with regional field offices, local government units, and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices, is conducting thorough validation and assessment of the impact. The following assistance measures will be promptly deployed to support the affected farmers and fisherfolk:

• Seeds Distribution: 72,174 bags of rice seeds, 39,546 bags of corn seeds, 59,600 pouches, and 1,966 kilograms of vegetable seeds.
• Fishery Support: Fingerlings, fishing gear, and paraphernalia from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
• Loan Program: The Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), offering up to Php 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest.
• Rehabilitation Fund: Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
• Insurance: Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.

The DA DRRM Operations Center will continue to provide updates on the situation and the effects of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina on the agriculture and fisheries sector.