Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released a PHP133.09 million assistance package for farmers impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon, also known as 'habagat'.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA issued a bulletin on Monday detailing the interventions being provided. These include agricultural inputs such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds distributed through DA Regional Field Offices in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
The DA has also activated its Quick Response Fund to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery of the affected areas. Additionally, farmers can access loans of up to PHP25,000 under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council's Survival and Recovery Loan Program. These loans are available at zero interest and are repayable over three years. Insured farmers will also receive indemnification via the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
Initial reports indicate that the Regional Field Offices in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas have recorded PHP96.90 million in damages and losses affecting rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.
The calamities have affected a total of 4,665 farmers, with production losses estimated at 2,236 metric tons across 6,037 hectares of farmland. The DA noted that these figures are still subject to ongoing validation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways has reported several national road sections in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Zamboanga Peninsula are either closed or partially passable due to the typhoon's effects.
The DA has warned that the road closures may disrupt the transport of agricultural commodities. In response, DA Regional Field Offices have begun conducting field validations and needs assessments in the impacted areas.
These regional offices are also working with national and local agencies to monitor road conditions and flooding. They are conducting price monitoring to prevent spikes in agricultural product costs.
