Philippines agricultural losses reach P4.38B amid monsoon and cyclones

Agricultural losses in the Philippines have reached P4.38 billion due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Pilandok. According to the Department of Agriculture, the weather disturbances affected 99,663 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 damage at P2.05 billion, representing 46.99 percent of the total loss. High-value crops followed with P1.38 billion in damages, while fisheries accounted for P647.79 million. The weather events impacted 81,511 hectares and 102,791 metric tons of farm produce. The Department of Agriculture has prepared P609.79 million in agricultural inputs, such as seeds and farm materials, to assist those affected.

Separately, the state weather bureau Pagasa issued yellow rainfall warnings for Metro Manila and five other areas in Luzon due to the southwest monsoon. The warning covers several cities in Metro Manila, as well as parts of Bataan, Rizal, Zambales, Bulacan, and Pampanga. Local government units have suspended in-person afternoon classes in response to the forecast rains.