Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has directed Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary for Operations Roger Navarro and Undersecretary Chris Morales, who overseas the country’s National Rice Program, to immediately visit areas devastated by Tropical Storm Crising and the Southwest Monsoon to provide urgent support to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
“We want our farmers and fisherfolk to know that the government is fully committed to supporting them, especially during these challenging times,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. “Essential resources, including seeds and financial aid, are readily available to help our stakeholders recover swiftly.”
In response to the disaster, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated P495.4 million in agricultural inputs—such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds—specifically for farmers in Regions 3, 4B, 7, 9, 12, and 13, which have been severely impacted by TS Crising, which has been intensified by the Habagat.
Additionally, the DA is prepared to tap the Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas and offer loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has also been tasked with expediting indemnification for affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Preliminary estimates from the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office put agricultural damage from rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, and poultry at P134.7 million. A total of 6,377 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected, with 8,035 hectares of farmland suffering significant damage.
Secretary Tiu Laurel will resume his duties as DA chief on Thursday, July 24, after a two-week medical leave.
