PHP6.35B damage from habagat, typhoons; 48 dead, 1.7M families affected

Damage caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent typhoons to the Philippines' agriculture sector has exceeded PHP2 billion, while infrastructure damage totals over PHP4.3 billion, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

As of Thursday, NDRRMC reported that 1,715,194 families across the country have been affected by recent weather disturbances, with confirmed deaths at 48.

The Department of Agriculture announced various forms of assistance for affected farmers and fisherfolk, including seeds worth PHP301.72 million, biocontrol measures worth PHP6.31 million, and a loan program offering up to PHP25,000 at zero interest.

NDRRMC stated that damage to agriculture was incurred in various regions, amounting to PHP2.039 billion, while infrastructure damage totaled PHP4.31 billion across Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga, BARMM, and the CAR.

To aid those impacted, the government has provided PHP507.19 million for immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts.