Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel ordered the delivery of urgent support to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the devastating impact of Tropical Storm ”Crising” and the southwest monsoon (habagat), with damage to the sector now over ₱300 million

In a statement, Tiu Laurel said he has directed Agriculture undersecretaries Roger Navarro and Chris Morales to immediately visit areas affected by the severe weather disturbances to provide support.

"We want our farmers and fisherfolk to know that the government is fully committed to supporting them, especially during these challenging times," the secretary said.

"Essential resources, including seeds and financial aid, are readily available to help our stakeholders recover swiftly,” he added.

Based on the latest bulletin from the DA’s operations center, the agency is allocating ₱545.56 million worth of agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, to assist affected farmers.

Aside from its quick response fund for rehabilitation and recovery efforts, the DA has implemented the Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which has been allocated a fund of ₱400 million

Under the SURE program, affected farmers can loan up to ₱25,000, which is payable in three years at zero interest.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has also set an initial amount of ₱268 million for the indemnification of nearly 46,000 insured farmers.

Additionally, over 30,000 bags of rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) have been issued to affected communities so far.

The latest data from the DA showed that agricultural damage due to the combined impact of Crisis and Habagat now stands at ₱323.15 million.

The agency reported that the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, and Soccsksargen have experienced damage and losses to rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and agricultural infrastructure.

The destructive weather has affected 14,772 farmers and fisherfolk, resulting in an estimated loss of 10,595 metric tons (MT) in production and 15,868 hectares (ha) of agricultural land.

The rice sector bore the brunt of the damage, with 66 percent or ₱212.60 million in losses, covering 14,842 ha and production losses of 6,703 MT.

Damage in high-value crops covered 581 ha, with output losses of 2,977 MT worth ₱82.63 million.

The corn sector also reported losses reaching ₱22.13 million, covering 439 ha and production losses of 903 MT.

Damage to livestock and poultry reached ₱5.33 million, affecting 965 animals, including chickens, swine, cattle, carabaos, goats, ducks, sheep, turkeys, and guinea fowl.

The DA is currently monitoring any changes in prices and movement of agricultural commodities, especially in areas with price ceilings due to being under a state of calamity.

Similarly, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed price freezes on affected areas.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said he sees no price increases for the time being since there are currently no reports of road blockages that could hinder the transportation of agricultural commodities.