Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine has caused an estimated P3.4 billion in damage to the agricultural sector, a nine percent increase from last Sunday’s figures, according to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center. As of October 29, the storm has impacted approximately 79,904 farmers and fishers across 76,785 hectares, resulting in losses of 174,087 metric tons of agricultural products.
The bulk of the damage was on rice production, amounting to P3.10 billion, with 73,339 hectares affected. Of this, 44,937 hectares (61.27 percent) were reported as partially damaged while 28,402 hectares (38.73 percent) were completely ruined. Additional losses include P161.44 million worth of high-value crops, P43.36 million in farm structures, P43.34 million on corn, and P26 million on irrigation facilities.
To assist affected farmers, the DA has made available P541.02 million in agricultural inputs, including seeds and livestock support. Furthermore, a P1 billion quick response fund for rehabilitation is in place, along with rice stocks for relief distribution and loans of up to P25,000 through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
In parallel, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that approximately 500,000 household connections remain without power after Kristine’s impact. NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda noted that this figure has decreased from 2.1 million affected connections across 12 regions. Restoration efforts are prioritizing critical facilities like hospitals and evacuation centers, although many areas remain inaccessible due to flooding.
As for fuel supplies, the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that 42 tankers with nearly one million liters of gasoline and diesel, along with 19 tankers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), have reached several provinces in the Bicol region. This delivery addresses prior shortages caused by blocked roads. Currently, 76 percent of retail fuel outlets in the area are operational, with efforts underway to replenish stocks at remaining non-operational outlets.
DOE undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella highlighted the collaboration with various agencies to facilitate fuel delivery and ensure essential resources reach affected communities. The coordinated efforts are crucial as the region grapples with the aftermath of STS Kristine.
