Typhoons cause P10 billion damage to PH agri sector

The Department of Agriculture reported that typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses have caused an estimated P10 billion in damages and losses to the Philippine agriculture sector.

Typhoon Ulysses alone caused P1.17 billion in damages and losses to agriculture as of November 14.

These losses affect approximately 49,237 farmers and 54,043 hectares of agricultural areas, with a production loss volume of 67,330 metric tons.

The increase in reported damages for Ulysses is attributed to updated reports from the Cordillera Autonomous Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Bicol Region.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, fisheries, and livestock, with damages also reported in fisheries property, irrigation facilities, and agricultural infrastructures.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar stated that these losses represent a significant setback to the nation's food security.

Despite the extensive damage from the three typhoons, early weather advisories allowed farmers to save an estimated P32 billion worth of crops.

The national rice inventory remains stable, with a year-end forecast indicating sufficient supply for 85 to 94 days.