The Department of Agriculture–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) Operations Center reported that Typhoon Paolo (international name Matmo) caused crop losses valued at PHP162.51 million (US$2.86 million) in the Cagayan Valley region.
According to Bulletin No. 4, the damage affected 3,890 farmers and covered a production volume of 9,039 metric tons across 5,181 hectares. Losses were reported in rice, corn, and high-value crops.
High-value crops registered the largest losses, with 1,710 metric tons of vegetables and bananas lost, valued at PHP85.16 million (US$1.5 million). Corn losses amounted to 1,082 metric tons worth PHP11.18 million (US$197,000). Field validation is ongoing.
The DA also noted earlier crop damage from other events. The combined effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong resulted in losses of PHP2.51 billion (US$44.1 million), affecting more than 85,000 farmers.
Interventions currently available include PHP766.42 million (US$13.4 million) worth of agricultural inputs for rice, corn, and high-value crops, zero-interest loans of up to PHP25,000 (US$439) per farmer payable in three years, and PHP237 million (US$4.16 million) in insurance payouts through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. The DA also announced the mobilization of Kadiwa Centers to sell rice at PHP20 (US$0.35) per kilogram and the issuance of rice stocks from the National Food Authority.
Source: PNA
