The agricultural sector has sustained severe setbacks following a series of adverse weather events, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) reporting damage having surged to P307.72 million—a 354.7 percent increase from previous assessments. The losses are attributed to the combined effects of adverse weather, and northeast monsoon, which impacted key agricultural regions such as the Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Bicol, and the Visayas.
The damage has affected 33,973 farmers across 33,325 hectares of land, with rice production bearing the brunt of the losses—totaling P251.92 million. Corn and high-value crops have also been significantly impacted, along with livestock, poultry, and farming infrastructure. Despite the extensive damage, assistant agriculture secretary Arnel de Mesa said the sector remains resilient, with proactive measures already in place to support recovery efforts.
The DA has mobilized funds and resources to assist affected farmers and mitigate price fluctuations, as the full scope of the damage continues to be assessed. The government is prioritizing recovery to restore production and ensure long-term food security.
