The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that damage to the agriculture sector from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has surged to P12.25 million, significantly rising from P1.18 million on May 22. According to the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center, the losses have impacted 279 farmers and fishers across 250 hectares in Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Cotabato.
The ITCZ—a belt of low pressure near the equator known for triggering intense rains and thunderstorms—caused 831 metric tons of crop losses, particularly in rice and corn. Rice damage alone amounted to P7.28 million, with 152 hectares and 506 metric tons affected. Corn followed with P4.78 million in losses across 98 hectares.
High-value crops and livestock were also hit, with P78,000 in damage to fruits and vegetables and over P115,000 in losses from 14 affected livestock and poultry heads.
In response, DA regional offices are conducting ground assessments and price monitoring to evaluate intervention needs and ensure stable commodity supply. The agency’s data underscores the increasing vulnerability of key farming regions to climate-linked weather systems, highlighting the urgent need for localized disaster preparedness, crop insurance expansion, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
