Manila: The combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and three tropical cyclones have resulted in about PHP332.44 million in damages to agriculture and infrastructure in Western Visayas, as reported by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the RDRRMC report highlighted that 28 infrastructure projects were impacted by the adverse weather conditions. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) identified damages in 13 projects in Capiz, 10 in Antique, three in Iloilo, and two in Aklan, amounting to an estimated cost of PHP175.54 million.
In the agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported 9,121 farmers and fisherfolk were affected across the region. Of the areas planted with crops, 2,037.67 hectares have no chance of recovery, while 5,170.92 hectares still hold potential. The adverse conditions led to a loss of 3,806.03 metric tons, equating to a production cost exceeding PHP156.9 million.
Maria Cristina Mayor, spokesperson for the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 6 in Western Visayas, stated that coordination with relevant agencies is ongoing to identify those requiring assistance. These agencies have quick response funds available to support impacted infrastructure and agriculture. The DPWH may request additional funds from the national government's rehabilitation and recovery program if needed, or seek help from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Mayor also noted that OCD-6 can provide rice assistance upon request from local governments based on the affected population. An agreement with the National Food Authority allows for rice release anytime with central office authorization.
One family from Iloilo remains in an evacuation center out of the 114,672 families affected by tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon known locally as "habagat." Claud Jan Marquez, head of the Disaster Response Information and Management Section of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the region, indicated that assistance can be provided to affected families upon request from local government units (LGUs). The RDRRMC report states that 63.63 percent of the 108,647 families needing assistance have already received aid.
Mayor emphasized the importance of taking advantage of improved weather conditions to prepare for future disturbances. She mentioned that from June to October, the region expects the southwest monsoon to bring rains and potential flooding, even without typhoons, and anticipates two to three typhoons in August.
