The Department of Agriculture (DA) released on Friday a preliminary damage report for Super Typhoon ‘Carina,’ citing initial losses of P251.21 million across 12,764 hectares of affected farmland.
Agriculture assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa reported that 3,437 metric tons of crops were lost to the typhoon, with 90 percent of the damage attributed to standing rice crops planted in June 2024.
“Most affected crops were in the early vegetative stage, making them particularly vulnerable to the typhoon’s impact,” he said.
Damages to corn amounted to 5.61 percent of the total, while other crops accounted for 3.54 percent. Of the affected hectares, 8,126 have the potential for recovery, while 4,638 are deemed unsalvageable.
The typhoon has impacted over 11,000 farmers, prompting the DA’s regional field offices to mobilize assistance efforts.
The most severely affected areas include Cotabato with damages of P65 million, Oriental Mindoro with P59 million, and Pampanga, P40 million. Regions 3, 8, 9, 12, and 13, and Mimaropa have also experienced losses due to the enhanced monsoon season.
De Mesa said the DA has prepositioned 172,174 bags of rice seeds, 39,546 bags of corn seeds, 59,600 pouches and 1,966 kilograms of vegetable seeds to aid in replanting efforts.
Financial assistance includes the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), offering up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest.
The Quick Response Fund (QRF) is available for the rehabilitation of affected areas, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has funds to indemnify affected farmers.
“We have a multi-pronged approach to support our farmers. This includes financial aid, access to necessary resources, and facilitating insurance claims. Our goal is to help them recover and rebuild as quickly as possible,” de Mesa emphasized.
While the current damages are relatively minor compared to previous years, the DA emphasized that regional field offices are actively monitoring the situation.
The agency is also preparing for the potential impact of La Niña, which is expected in the last quarter of the year. Fortunately, rice cropping will be nearing completion by then, de Mesa added.
The DA will continue to provide regular updates on the situation.
