DA: P400M agri losses due to Carina, Habagat

The damage caused by Super Typhoon Carina and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) to the agriculture sector has reached nearly P400 million, according to the latest tally from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

As of July 26 at 3 p.m., the DA reported that total production losses amounted to P399.91 million, equivalent to a volume loss of 5,599 metric tons and damage to 23,256 hectares across various regions.

The affected areas include Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga regions, impacting 21,785 farmers.

Damaged crops include rice (P356.28 million), corn (P19.07 million), high-value crops (P24.15 million), and livestock losses of P411,950 for various animals.

The DA is actively validating the damage and plans to provide assistance through seed distribution, survival loans up to Php 25,000 with zero interest, quick response funds for rehabilitation, and indemnification from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).