Damage to the agriculture sector from the enhanced southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng has climbed to P2.84 billion, up from P2.32 billion just five days prior, the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed in its latest morning advisory on September 1.
The growing toll reflects worsening impacts across wide swathes of farmland. So far, 72,803 farmers have been affected, with 64,234 hectares of agricultural areas damaged and 63,921 metric tons of production lost. Of the total affected area, roughly three-quarters — 49,095 hectares — may still recover, while 15,139 hectares are considered a total loss.
Rice crops bore the brunt at P1.42 billion in damage, followed by high-value crops at P761.43 million, fisheries and aquatic resources at P412.84 million, and corn at P103.04 million. Damage to farm infrastructure, machinery, cassava, and livestock rounded out the total.
Affected regions include the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas. The DA noted that field assessments remain ongoing, meaning the estimated damage will likely rise further.
Relief is underway: P609.79 million in seeds and planting materials, plus rice supplies, have been distributed; crop insurance payouts and zero-interest recovery loans are also available to support farmers and fisherfolk. The DA added it is monitoring commodity prices to prevent profiteering and ensure stable food supply.
