The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported a P1.42 billion damage to the agriculture sector due to the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, as of August 17. This figure rose from P1.03 billion earlier that day.
The damage affected 43,340 farmers, 34,572 hectares of land, and resulted in 35,083 metric tons of production loss. While 82.88% of the affected areas have a chance for recovery, 17.72 percent are beyond saving.
Rice suffered the most significant damage at P794.40 million, followed by high-value crops at P454.91 million. Farm machinery, corn, livestock, fisheries, and cassava also sustained considerable losses.
The DA continues field assessments in affected regions, including CAR, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, anticipating further damage reports.
Assistance to farmers includes P210.93 million in agricultural inputs, P35.67 million in indemnification for insured farmers, and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000. The DA is also facilitating logistical support and monitoring commodity prices.
