The agriculture sector is grappling with significant losses following the combined effects of a shear line, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and the northeast monsoon, which have caused damage valued at P67.68 million. This latest report from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center highlights the financial toll on the farming community, which spans several regions of the country.
From 26 December 2024 to 13 January 2025, the severe weather systems have led to the destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure across Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Davao, and Soccsksargen. The affected areas span 3,692 hectares of farmland, with 1,887 farmers suffering losses.
Rice production has borne the brunt of the damage, with losses amounting to P58.44 million. Affected rice farmers have seen their yields decimated across 3,487 hectares, resulting in a loss of 367 metric tons of the staple. Corn farmers, too, have faced substantial setbacks, with P2.23 million in damages reported from 140 hectares and the loss of 27.14 metric tons. In addition, the livestock and poultry sectors reported losses of P4.12 million, affecting 1,685 animals across various species, while high-value crops suffered another P2.87 million in damages.
The destruction of agricultural infrastructure, machinery, and equipment is estimated at P20,000. The DA’s ongoing assessment suggests that while the overall impact remains significant, it is still considered minimal in terms of broader economic disruption. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa emphasized that the weather-related damage has not yet caused major changes in the price of agricultural products.
In response to the crisis, the DA is offering various forms of assistance to affected farmers, including agricultural inputs such as seeds, access to the Quick Response Fund for rehabilitation, and low-interest loans through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation is also working to indemnify insured farmers for losses.
As the DA continues to monitor and assess the situation, officials are committed to helping the agricultural sector recover and minimizing the long-term impact of these devastating weather events.
