The combined damage to agriculture from Tropical Cyclones (TCs) Kristine and Leon has reached P6.83 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The damage, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, represents a loss of 317,316 metric tons (MT) of agricultural produce and affected over 171,000 farmers and fishers across nearly 142,000 hectares of land.
The DA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said the hardest-hit areas include the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
The bulk of the losses were on rice production, amounting to P5.05 billion, with 271,464 MT lost across 131,168 hectares. Of these, 69.45 percent (91,099 ha) sustained partial damage, while 30.55 percent (40,069 ha) suffered total devastation.
Other affected crops include high-value crops (37,233 MT, P880.15 million), fisheries (1,780 MT, P665.01 million), and corn (4,714 MT, P107.95 million). The storm also caused significant damage to farm structures (P50.46 million), cassava (2,125 MT, P40.34 million), irrigation facilities (P28 million), livestock and poultry (8,613 heads, P14.10 million), and machinery (P300,000).
In response, the DA has activated various assistance programs, including P549.64 million worth of agricultural inputs like seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables, as well as veterinary medicines. A P1 billion quick response fund has been set aside for rehabilitation and recovery efforts, with additional support from the National Food Authority (NFA) for rice distribution and the deployment of Kadiwa rolling stores in affected regions.
The DA also said that a P500 million fund is available through the Survival and Recovery Loan Program, offering loans of up to P25,000 at zero interest, with repayment terms of up to three years. Additionally, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has extended indemnification to affected farmers.
As of the latest, the NFA provided 15,697 bags of rice to disaster-stricken areas across various regions including Ilocos, Central Luzon, and Bicol.
