DA: Typhoon Rolly damage reaches P5.79B

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that agricultural damage and losses from Typhoon Rolly were upgraded to P5.79 billion, affecting 48,682 farmers across 127,298 hectares of farmland.

This damage resulted in a production loss of 177,091 metric tons, impacting commodities such as rice, corn, high-value crops (including abaca and coconut), livestock, and agricultural facilities.

Specific losses include P2.05 billion for high-value crops, P1.18 billion for rice, and P1.02 billion for abaca.

The DA is providing assistance including seeds, animal stocks, fingerlings, and financial aid from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

Tugon Kabuhayan convenor Asis Perez believes the official estimate is an underestimate because it does not account for consequential damages to farmers' livelihoods.

He highlighted that some crops may take over a year to recover, suggesting a need for a more comprehensive damage assessment that includes the long-term impact on farmers.