The Department of Agriculture (DA) is advising farmers and fisherfolk to take precautionary measures as Tropical Storm Kong-Rey, locally named “Leon,” enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Farmers are advised to harvest mature crops and mobilize post-harvest equipment and facilities.
The DA had earlier reported that damage to agriculture has reached P1.69 billion, with rice crops accounting for 95.15 percent of the loss.
The DA told farmers to secure seed reserves, planting materials, and other farm inputs in safe and proper storage areas.
In addition, farmers were expected to relocate farm machinery, equipment, and other farm tools to higher ground.
Farmers were told to secure sufficient feed and water for relocated animals and clear drainage in irrigation and rice paddies to prevent flooding and promote fast water drainage.
Fisherfolk were advised to perform early harvest and mobilize post-harvest equipment and facilities.
The DA also advised fishermen to secure fishing vessels in higher ground and dismiss sea travel as potentially rough conditions prevail over affected seaboards.
The DA urges all concerned to monitor weather updates and follow advisories from local government units and weather agencies. Stay safe and vigilant.