Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center announced on Thursday that more than 50,000 farmers and fishers have been impacted by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.

According to Philippines News Agency, damage and losses have been reported in agricultural and fishery areas across seven regions, including Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. These damages amount to PHP1.73 billion, affecting 50,277 farmers with 40,954 hectares of agricultural areas and resulting in 43,220 metric tons of production losses.

To mitigate the impact of these weather-related disruptions, the government has allocated at least PHP246.6 million worth of agricultural aid. This aid targets various sectors such as rice, corn, high-value crops, cassava, fisheries, livestock, and agricultural equipment, facilities, and infrastructure. Available interventions include PHP210.93 million worth of agricultural inputs for rice, corn, and vegetables.

Insurance payouts totaling PHP35.67 million are available for 5,005 insured farmers and fishers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. Additionally, zero-interest loans of up to PHP25,000 per farmer are accessible under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan program, which is payable over three years.

The National Food Authority (NFA) has distributed 3,631 bags of milled rice to affected local government units in Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Mimaropa. Furthermore, the DA has mobilized logistical support for farmers through the deployment of Kadiwa trucks.

As of Thursday, agricultural damages have escalated to nearly PHP2 billion, with the rice sector experiencing the most significant impact, suffering 26,912 metric tons in losses valued at PHP974.82 million. High-value crops faced losses of 12,492 metric tons, worth PHP540.11 million, affecting various produce including vegetables, spices, legumes, and fruits.

Losses in the corn sector reached PHP85.33 million, cassava PHP22.99 million, and livestock PHP14.85 million across 23,188 heads of animals. Fisheries reported losses amounting to PHP9.26 million. Additional damages include PHP60.96 million in irrigation facilities, PHP16.61 million in farm structures, and PHP1.37 million in machinery and equipment.