The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Monday that agricultural losses from the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong have ballooned to ₱2.34 billion, highlighting growing threats to food supply and prices in the Philippines. The damage has hit 74,895 farmers and 71,958 hectares of farmland, with total production losses reaching 53,356 metric tons.
The rice sector bears the brunt, accounting for over half of the losses at ₱1.27 billion across 67,692 hectares, followed by ₱516.57 million in losses sustained by the fishery sector and ₱421.95 million in high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and root crops. Corn, livestock, cassava, and farm infrastructure also sustained losses.
While around 70 percent of farmland may recover, over 21,000 hectares are considered a total loss. These disruptions are expected to tighten food supply in affected regions and potentially drive up prices, although the DA has yet to issue projections. Price ceilings remain in place in areas under a state of calamity.
In response, the government is rolling out ₱653 million in aid, including rice seeds, fertilizer, zero-interest loans (₱400 million), crop insurance (₱268 million), and emergency relief supplies. Field assessments continue in 15 regions, with total damage figures expected to rise.
