The damage incurred by the agricultural sector due to the relentless rains brought about by Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon or habagat rose to P251.21 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) bared on Friday, July 26.
The agency said the weather disturbances have affected a total of 11,003 farmers.
According to the DA, the regions affected were Central Luzon (Region 3), Calabarzon (Region 4A), Mimaropa (Region 4B), Western Visayas (Region 6), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), Soccsksargen (Region 12), and Caraga (Region 13).
The agriculture department said a total of 12,764 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas have been devastated by Carina and the southwest monsoon.
Per the DA’s report, the most affected crop was palay or rice at 90.85 percent, followed by corn at 5.61 percent, and high-value crops (HVC) at 3.48 percent.
The agency reported that 2,348 livestock with an estimated value of around ₱143,000 died, including chickens, swine, cattle, and goats.
To help the devastated farmers, the agriculture department distributed seeds, made available the Survival and Recovery Loan Program with loans up to P25,000 at zero interest, provided the Quick Response Fund for area rehabilitation, and allocated funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that "Carina" (international name: Gaemi) exited the country's area of responsibility on Thursday morning, July 25.