Agriculture Undersecretary for operations and officer-in-charge Roger Navarro said the assistance will be distributed to farmers in Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (CALABARZON), 4B (MIMAROPA), and 6 (Western Visayas).
Additional aid: Loans, crop insurance, rehab funds
In addition to the inputs, Navarro said affected farmers and fisherfolk may also avail themselves of Quick Response Funds for rehabilitation, Survival and Recovery (SURE) loans, and indemnification through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).
P134.7M in agri losses recorded—still rising
Initial damage assessments by the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (DRRMOC) estimate P134.7 million in losses in rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, and poultry. The storm affected 8,035 hectares of agricultural land and impacted some 6,377 farmers and fisherfolk.
“These figures are still subject to change as we continue to assess the situation on the ground,” Navarro said in a statement.
Price watch, food chain stability in focus
He added that the DA is coordinating closely with other government agencies to monitor the situation and minimize disruptions to the food supply chain, particularly the movement and pricing of highland vegetables.
“We are keeping a close watch to prevent significant price increases on key agricultural commodities,” Navarro said.
Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) has prepared to release rice stocks to support local governments and national relief operations. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
