Calamba city: Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) has inflicted approximately PHP124 million worth of damage to crucial irrigation infrastructure across the Calabarzon region, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 4-A. This damage has been classified as Level 2, indicating that significant repairs are necessary to restore the affected facilities fully. According to Philippines News Agency, Precious Palacol, the senior engineer of NIA 4-A's Operations Section, reported in a phone interview that the storm resulted in damage to multiple dams. Notable structural damages include the collapse of the counterfort retaining wall downstream of the Sta. Cruz Dam in Liliw, Laguna; damage to the Lateral C canal of the Balayungan River Irrigation System in Naic, Cavite; and the damaged service road and main canal of the Palico River Irrigation System in Nasugbu, Batangas. Additionally, the Quipot Irrigation Project in Tiaong, Quezon sustained damage to its canal lining and silt ba sin at Siphon No. 2. The damage impacted 1,298 hectares of farmland and affected approximately 1,422 farmers in the region. Initial estimates of crop loss have reached PHP96.6 million, with rice fields being the most affected. In particular, rice crops in their reproductive and terminal drainage stages in Laguna were destroyed, resulting in losses valued at PHP20.08 million within National Irrigation Systems. In Batangas, crop losses amounting to about PHP35 million were recorded within Communal Irrigation Systems. Palacol mentioned that NIA plans to submit a report to the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to obtain Quick Response Fund assistance. Since last week, NIA field teams, in collaboration with local irrigators associations, have been conducting urgent desilting and clearing operations along irrigation canals to remove debris and restore the regular flow of water. The agency is persistently evaluating the condition of dams and irrigation facilit ies in the region, especially in Quezon province, due to potential impacts from Typhoon Leon. "NIA remains committed to restoring critical irrigation infrastructure to mitigate further agricultural and economic impacts on Calabarzon's farming communities," Palacol stated.