Tropical Cyclone Ferdie and monsoon cause PHP600M agri damage

The combined effects of Tropical Cyclone Ferdie and the enhanced southwest monsoon have caused agricultural damage exceeding PHP600 million in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Damage assessments reveal losses primarily affecting rice production with approximately 26,072 metric tons lost and valued at PHP562.75 million.

Corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry also incurred damages worth PHP19.04 million, PHP18.22 million, and PHP819,200 respectively.

At least 11,170 farmers nationwide were impacted with a total volume loss of around 27,427 metric tons across 11,696 hectares of farm area.

DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa announced the department's Quick Response Fund and prepositioned seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables to help affected farmers plant again quickly.

Additional assistance includes a Survival and Recovery Loan Program with a loanable amount up to PHP25,000 and funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.