The agricultural sector continues to feel the impact of Typhoon Kristine, with damages now totaling PHP 143.47 million, according to the latest report from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The typhoon has affected approximately 4,798 farmers and 3,358 hectares of agricultural land across the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western and Eastern Visayas, and Soccsksargen.
The DA estimates that production losses amount to 8,600 metric tons (MT), including 8,265 MT for palay (unhusked rice), 187 MT for high-value crops, 102 MT for corn, and 46 MT for cassava.
In response, the DA has distributed PHP 531.72 million worth of agricultural inputs from its field offices to the affected regions and allocated an additional PHP 1 billion from the Quick Response Fund to aid in recovery efforts.
Additionally, the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program received PHP 500 million from the DA, allowing affected farmers to apply for interest-free loans of up to PHP 25,000, payable over three years.