Philippines agricultural damage reaches P3.62 billion due to monsoon rains

Agricultural damage in the Philippines caused by heavy rains and the enhanced southwest monsoon has reached P3.62 billion. The Department of Agriculture reported that 86,466 farmers were affected, with 74,809 hectares of agricultural land damaged and an estimated 87,745 metric tons of farm production lost.

Rice production sustained the most significant impact, accounting for P1.90 billion in losses. Other damages include P1.03 billion in high-value crops such as vegetables and fruits, P412.84 million in fisheries, and P119.84 million in corn. The destruction spans eight regions, including Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and Western Visayas. These losses have raised concerns regarding the food supply chain and potential impacts on Mindanao markets.

Simultaneously, the state weather bureau Pagasa issued orange rainfall warnings for parts of Bataan, Zambales, and Pampanga, indicating a threat of flooding due to intense rainfall. Yellow rainfall warnings were also extended across Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Tarlac, and Bulacan.