By Kenneth Marcos 
Heavy rains and strong winds have battered farms and coastal towns across Luzon and parts of Visayas over the past weeks, leaving many farmers and fisherfolk struggling to recover. Now, with Typhoon “Opong” exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its support for those hit hard by the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon (habagat) and recent tropical cyclones “Mirasol”, “Nando”, and “Opong.”
As of September 27, Typhoon Opong was located 655 kilometers west of Iba, Zambales, moving away from the country. While Opong has exited, its strong winds and rains—alongside the habagat—have caused significant damage to crops, fisheries, and livestock in many rural communities.
In response, the DA has rolled out several forms of assistance to help affected farmers and fisherfolk recover:
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Over 142,000 bags of palay seeds, 90,000 bags of corn seeds, and 40,500 kilos of vegetable seeds have been prepared for distribution to help replant damaged crops.
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More than 1.6 million fingerlings of tilapia, bangus, and carp will be distributed to communities whose fishponds and cages were wiped out by floods or rough waters.
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Veterinary medicines and supplements are being sent to livestock raisers dealing with animal losses and disease outbreaks.
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2.4 million bags of rice from the National Food Authority are ready for distribution to LGUs and relief agencies to ensure food supply in severely affected areas.
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Affected individuals may also apply for up to P25,000 under the SURE Loan Program, payable in three years with zero interest, through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
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For insured farmers, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will provide indemnification for crop losses, helping them bounce back faster.
The DA’s regional offices (RFOs) in affected areas are actively conducting field validation and needs assessments to determine the exact number of affected individuals and the scope of damage. These teams are also working closely with national agencies, LGUs, and other disaster response offices to coordinate relief and maximize available resources.
The DA has also placed priority on monitoring agricultural commodity prices to prevent market abuse and ensure steady supply, especially in typhoon-hit areas where prices often surge due to disrupted transport or limited harvest.
Farmers and fishers are encouraged to reach out to their local agriculture offices or call the DA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center at (02) 8929-0140 for help or inquiries.
As climate change continues to intensify the effects of storms and monsoons, the DA reminds the public of the importance of preparedness, crop insurance, and early reporting of damage. Recovery may take time, but with the right support, communities can rebuild stronger and more resilient.
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