Agriculture Damage from Typhoon Ferdie Reaches P1.09 Billion

The agriculture sector has suffered P1.09 billion in losses due to the combined impact of Typhoon Ferdie and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

According to the DA’s weather situation bulletin, these weather disturbances affected 24,512 farmers across Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, leading to a production loss of 50,913 metric tons and impacting 24,247 hectares of agricultural land.

Rice accounted for the majority of the damage at 95.35%, translating to P1.04 billion in losses. Corn was the second-most affected commodity at P24.76 million (2.27%), followed by high-value crops at P20.36 million. Livestock and poultry losses totaled P3.32 million, while irrigation facility damage stood at P2.30 million.

The DA is collaborating with regional offices and local government units to validate the damage and implement support measures for affected farmers. These include the distribution of seeds, zero-interest loans through the SURE Loan Program, and insurance payouts from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

The department is also monitoring agricultural commodity prices for potential fluctuations.