Initial damage to the agriculture sector from Typhoon Tino has reached ₱13.26 million, affecting 742 farmers and 552 hectares of farmland, according to a 2 p.m. report Thursday from the Department of Agriculture.
The DA said around 74 percent of affected farms still have a chance to recover, while 26 percent suffered total loss. Rice sustained the heaviest blow at ₱10.76 million in damage across 475 hectares, followed by corn (₱1.62 million) and high-value crops such as vegetables, banana, and mango (₱461,020). The storm also damaged ₱250,000 worth of farm infrastructure, ₱120,000 in machinery, and ₱45,350 worth of livestock.
So far, damage assessments have been reported from Western and Eastern Visayas, with figures expected to rise as reports from other regions come in.
In response, the DA has prepared ₱216.39 million worth of seeds and planting materials, ₱1.12 million in livestock feed and supplements, and ₱841,600 worth of fish fingerlings for affected farmers. The National Food Authority has also prepositioned 2.6 million bags of rice for relief operations.
Farmers insured under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. will receive indemnities, while others can avail of zero-interest loans of up to ₱25,000 through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said further assessments may show heavier damage to high-value crops, fisheries, and sugarcane, especially in Negros Island. He added that price freezes on key commodities are already in effect in some affected areas.
