The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released PHP133.09 million assistance package for farmers affected by the Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Crising (international name: Wipha) and southwest monsoon or “habagat”.

The DA, in a bulletin issued on Monday, detailed the interventions being rolled out, including agricultural inputs such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds from DA Regional Field Offices (RFOs) in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.

The agency has also activated its Quick Response Fund to support the rehabilitation and recovery of affected areas.

Farmers may also avail of loans of up to PHP25,000 under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program. The loans are payable in three years at zero interest. In addition, insured farmers will receive indemnification through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

Based on initial reports, the RFOs in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas have recorded PHP96.90 million in damage and losses to rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.

A total of 4,665 farmers has been affected, with production losses estimated at 2,236 metric tons across 6,037 hectares of farmland. The DA said these figures are subject to ongoing validation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways reported that several national road sections in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Zamboanga Peninsula, are closed or partially passable due to the effects of the typhoon.

The DA warned this may disrupt the transport of agricultural commodities.

In response, DA RFOs have begun conducting field validation and needs assessments in affected areas.

The regional offices are also coordinating with national and local agencies to monitor road conditions and flooding, and are conducting price monitoring to prevent spikes in the cost of agricultural products. (PNA)