MANILA – Agricultural damage and losses from Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon have reached PHP135.3 million, affecting 6,010 farmers and 4,516 hectares of farmland across five regions, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

The latest assessment covers the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Western Visayas, with production losses estimated at 4,465 metric tons.

Rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock were among those affected, while agricultural infrastructure, machinery, and equipment also sustained damage.

The DA said the assessment remains ongoing, with field validation expected to continue as weather and ground conditions improve. The agency warned that the damage estimate could increase as more affected farms are reached.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. directed DA offices to expedite assistance to affected farmers, particularly insurance and credit support.

“We need our people on the ground to move quickly so affected farmers can get the assistance they need, especially insurance claims and credit support,” Tiu Laurel said.

“The faster we process these, the faster farmers can recover and get back to production,” he added.

The DA has allocated PHP106.5 million worth of agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, for distribution through its regional field offices.

Affected farmers may also access the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (ACPC) Survival and Recovery Loan Program, which provides loans of up to PHP25,000 at zero interest, payable over three years.

Insured farmers will likewise receive indemnification through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), with the DA coordinating insurance and credit assistance through the PCIC and ACPC.

DA regional offices are coordinating with disaster risk reduction councils, local government units, and other concerned agencies while monitoring agricultural prices and commodity supply.

The agency said the immediate response is aimed at preventing crop losses from developing into prolonged supply disruptions that could affect both farmers’ incomes and food prices.

With assessments still underway, the PHP135.3-million estimate remains preliminary and could increase as validation activities continue.