Damage to Agriculture from Carina, Habagat Exceeds P1B

MANILA, Philippines — The agricultural sector in the Philippines has suffered significant damage and losses due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), with total damages surpassing P1 billion.

As of July 30, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the value of production losses in crops and livestock reached P1.17 billion, with a total production loss of 18,086 metric tons (MT) affecting 42,708 hectares of agricultural land.

The severe weather impacted rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, irrigation facilities, and fisheries across several regions, including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. Around 40,904 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected by these conditions.

Rice emerged as the most affected commodity, with losses valued at P660.6 million, equating to 10,272 MT of damaged produce. The fisheries sector incurred P360.8 million in losses, impacting 3,334 fisherfolk. High-value crops suffered P79.35 million in damage, with a volume loss of 1,915 MT. Corn experienced a value loss of P65.40 million, corresponding to a volume loss of 3,104 MT. Livestock losses amounted to P1.32 million, with 5,593 heads of chicken, swine, cattle, goat, sheep, duck, and buffalo affected.

In addition, agricultural infrastructure, machinery, and equipment sustained damages amounting to P1.6 million.

The DA, in cooperation with regional field offices, local government units, and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices, is actively conducting validation and assessment of the impact on agriculture and fisheries. Efforts are being made to provide necessary assistance and interventions to the affected farmers and fisherfolk.

The DA announced the immediate deployment of various forms of assistance, including:

- 72,174 bags of rice seeds

- 39,546 bags of corn seeds

- 59,600 pouches and 1,966 kilograms of vegetable seeds

- Fingerlings, fishing gear, and paraphernalia from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

- Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), with loans up to Php 25,000 payable in three years at zero interest

- Quick Response Fund (QRF) for rehabilitation

- Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers

“The DA DRRM Operations Center will continuously provide updates regarding the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon and Typhoon Carina,” the department stated.