By Kenneth Marcos 
Heavy rain and strong winds from Tropical Cyclone Tino forced farmers in many communities to stop field work and secure what remained of their crops. In coastal areas, fisherfolk tied down boats and watched the waters rise, unsure when they could return to sea.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it has activated a full range of assistance to support farmers and fisherfolk affected by the storm across Palawan, Mindoro, and parts of the Visayas. The agency announced that more than P422 million worth of farm inputs, including rice, corn, and high-value crop seeds, are ready for distribution in hard-hit areas.
The DA also prepared P66,990 worth of animal feeds and supplements for livestock and poultry growers whose operations were disrupted by the cyclone. To help fisherfolk recover, the department allocated P1.51 million worth of fingerlings such as bangus, tilapia, and carp for restocking damaged fishponds once conditions stabilize.
Food supply support is also underway. The National Food Authority has made available 2.57 million bags of rice for release to local governments and partner relief agencies. This stockpile is being used to sustain relief operations in evacuation centers and isolated villages.
To assist families and communities in rebuilding, the department said its Quick Response Fund is on standby for rehabilitation work. Farmers needing immediate financial support may also apply for loans through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery Program. The DA has allotted an initial P22 million for this facility, where affected farmers may borrow up to P25,000, payable in three years at zero interest.
Insurance payouts will also be provided. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation set aside an initial P142.31 million to compensate insured farmers whose crops or livestock were damaged by the storm.
On the ground, DA teams have already delivered 12,100 bags of hybrid rice seeds to Palawan and the two Mindoro provinces. Another 2,000 bags of fertilizer were also turned over to farmers in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. In the Visayas, 30,000 bags of milled rice were issued to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, various local governments, and the Office of Civil Defense to support ongoing relief operations.
Assessment teams are now checking the extent of losses in farms, fisheries, and livestock areas. Market monitors are also watching price movements to prevent abusive pricing in affected provinces.
The DA said it is closely coordinating with other national agencies, local governments, and disaster response offices to manage the impact of the cyclone and ensure that assistance reaches communities quickly. The agency added that it will continue releasing updates as more information becomes available.
As many rural families begin cleaning up after the storm, the DA reminded the public that support lines remain open for questions and assistance requests. Officials encouraged farmers and fisherfolk to report damage immediately so that interventions can be sent without delay.
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