The Department of Agriculture (DA) called on its attached agencies to mobilize assistance to farmers and fishers affected by tropical storm “Crising” and the southwest monsoon.
This, after government preliminary reports showed that the estimated farm damage from the storm and monsoon rains across Western Visayas and Mimaropa stood at around P53 million. The government said 2,099 farmers tending to over 2,400 hectares incurred losses.
The volume of production loss was pegged at 2,147 metric tons (MT). Of this, rice sustained the bulk of the damage at 2,109 MT. This was followed by high-value crops at 36 MT and corn at 2 MT. Officials noted, however, that the latest figures are still subject to validation.
“We must act without delay—weather permitting—to ease the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk,” DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro said in a statement.
The agency said floodwaters have submerged plantations of rice, corn, and other high-value crops, while poultry and livestock operations have also suffered losses. It added that damage assessments in the fisheries sector are still underway.
Meanwhile, the DA said the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Mindoro was also flooded.
Despite this, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that the agency has started releasing rice stocks to local government units (LGUs) and national agencies as part of the ongoing disaster response.
For his part, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) President Jovy Bernabe noted that a rapid assessment of the affected areas will be undertaken to initiate the processing of insurance claims for covered farmers.
“The PCIC has instructed its personnel to extend full assistance to affected farmers and expedite the processing of their damage claims.”
Aside from PCIC indemnification, the DA may also extend further support to affected farmers and fishers.
Several interventions include the provision of agricultural inputs, such as seeds, livestock, and biologics, through regional field offices.
This also includes rehabilitation assistance under the Quick Response Fund (QRF) and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 through the SURE Loan Program, which is payable over three years.
In its latest situational report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council noted that the low-pressure area being monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility developed into a tropical depression last July 16.
“At 11:00 p.m. on July 16, Crising slightly intensified as it moved northwestward over the sea east of Bicol Region. Tropical cyclone wind signal (TCWS) No. 1 was hoisted in Luzon,” its report read.
© Copyright 2025 The SSResource Media.
All rights reserved.