Philippines agricultural damage reaches ₱2.32 billion after storms

Agricultural damage in the Philippines has reached ₱2.32 billion due to the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng, alongside the enhanced southwest monsoon. The Department of Agriculture reported that these weather disturbances have affected 69,615 farmers and fishers across eight regions, including Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas.

Rice accounted for the largest portion of the losses at ₱1.39 billion, representing 59.74 percent of the total damage. High-value crops suffered ₱692.21 million in losses. In the province of Benguet, known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” damage reached ₱476.78 million. The provincial assessment indicated that 1,284.37 hectares of land were affected, impacting 6,089 farmers and causing losses to various highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, as well as strawberries.

In Benguet, the municipality of Bakun recorded the highest local damage at ₱200.27 million. Beyond crops, the weather events have damaged 60,896 metric tons of agricultural products and impacted livestock, poultry, fisheries, and essential farm machinery and infrastructure.