DA: Tropical storms inflict over ₱450 million in agri losses
Published Jul 24, 2025 04:01 pm
A jeepney traverses floodwaters along Felix Avenue in Cainta, Rizal, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon submerged portions of the road. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said recent storms and monsoon rains caused over P3.75 billion worth of damage to national roads, bridges, and flood control structures across several regions. (Photo by John Louie Abrina/MB)
The agricultural damage caused by the three successive tropical storms and the southwest monsoon (habagat) has now reached ₱454.12 million, according to the latest bulletin from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen have reported damage and losses to their respective agriculture sector.
Among the most affected include rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and agricultural infrastructure.
The severe weather disturbances, which include tropical storms Crising, Dante, and Emong, have now affected 20,959 farmers and fisherfolk.
The DA reported that 20,413 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas have been damaged, resulting in a production loss of 13,376 metric tons (MT).
Rice, the country’s most important staple, continues to bear the brunt of the damage.
Latest data showed that 18,490 hectares have been impacted, with 3,504 hectares declared to be totally destroyed. Around 8,256 MT of rice valued at ₱275.03 million were estimated to have been lost.
Provinces that were hit the hardest include Occidental Mindoro, Cagayan Valley, Palawan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.
Damage in high-value crops covered 717 ha, with output losses of 3,540 MT worth ₱117.17 million. These crops include lowland and upland vegetables, watermelon, banana, pineapple, and root crops, among others.
The corn sector reported losses reaching ₱38.90 million from a production loss of 1,523 MT, with damages to 1,197 ha.
Damage to agricultural infrastructure reached ₱6.62 million, with reported impact on machinery and equipment, irrigation canals, and farm infrastructures.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said his agency is set to distribute ₱596.5 million worth of agricultural and fishery inputs to farmers and fisherfolk.
Tiu Laurel earlier ordered key officials of the DA to visit the hardest-hit provinces and assess the required assistance of those affected.
“Our farmers and fisherfolk have been through a lot. We want to be there with them, listen to their concerns, and respond quickly so they can get back on their feet and move forward,” he said.
The DA has implemented the ₱400-million Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which offers loans of up to ₱25,000 to those affected, payable over 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.
The DA said it is in close coordination with concerned agencies and local governments to assess the impact of the torrential weather, including road obstructions that may affect the food supply chain.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said that he does not expect any spike in the retail prices of agricultural commodities, such as rice and vegetables, because there are currently no reports of road blockages.