The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday projected a stronger agricultural sector output in 2025 on the back of lessons learned from current year’s challenges.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said 2024 has proven a “perfect storm” for the sector on account of climate-related and unfortunate economic events, but expressed a positive view following a record rice harvest and job creation in 2023.
In response to the recent disruptions, the DA adopted measures against agricultural smuggling and emphasized the need for vigilance in securing food supply chains. Tiu Laurel highlighted the importance of adapting to the evolving challenges, particularly those posed by climate change.
Given the events, the DA announced a compensation package of P93.8 million from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) for 10,781 farmers affected by Super Typhoon Julian. The financial aid aims to help farmers deal with losses in places that include the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Ilocos, and Cagayan Valley where damage was estimated at P607 million.
As of 7 October, rice and corn crop losses and ruined irrigation facilities were estimated reaching P427.65 million.
