Agricultural damage in the Philippines has reached P10 billion following a series of calamities, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Bantay Bigas Spokesperson Cathy Estavillo revealed this figure in an interview with Bombo Radyo Dagupan, noting it follows El Niño-related damage amounting to P9.6 billion.
Farmers, distressed by the destruction of their crops, are clinging to hope of salvaging floating rice from flooded fields.
Estavillo stressed that while climate change is worsening globally, mining, quarrying, and land use conversion in the Philippines are exacerbating its effects.
She criticized the government for not acknowledging the impact of its policies on the escalating crisis.
The situation is becoming more alarming as food security suffers, with rising prices, including rice, which is far from the promised P42 per kilo.
The government’s response has been limited to importation, leaving farmers pleading for fair prices for their rice harvests.
Estavillo called for an immediate P25,000 subsidy for farmers to help them recover, especially to pay off debts.
However, she lamented that affected farmers are only receiving relief packs and seeds from the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
She urged the government to prepare long-term solutions and expressed dismay that even immediate aid, such as evacuation centers and food packs, remains insufficient.
Estavillo also emphasized that the government often relies on the resilience and community spirit of Filipinos.
She agreed that government agencies should simplify holiday celebrations to allocate funds for disaster-stricken communities.