By Kenneth Marcos 
As dark clouds gathered over the eastern seaboard on Tuesday afternoon, farmers in Bicol and Eastern Visayas began rushing to harvest what they could. The Department of Agriculture (DA) issued an urgent advisory to all farmers and fisherfolk nationwide to prepare for the possible impact of Tropical Cyclone “Salome,” which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on October 22.
The DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center released Bulletin No. 1 at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, outlining precautionary steps to prevent heavy losses in crops, livestock, and fisheries as the storm moves closer to land.
Farmers were told to closely monitor weather updates from PAGASA and local authorities. The DA also urged the early harvesting of mature crops to avoid storm damage. Farmers should secure seeds, planting materials, fertilizers, and other inputs in safe storage, and transfer farm machinery and tools to higher ground.
Livestock owners were reminded to prepare enough feed and clean water in case animals need to be moved to safer locations. The DA further advised the clearing of irrigation canals and drainage systems to prevent flooding in low-lying farms.
Fisherfolk were also warned to act quickly. The agency advised securing fish cages, ponds, and fishing stocks, and to conduct early harvests if necessary. Fishing boats should be brought to higher ground, and sea travel must be postponed as rough conditions are expected in affected coastal areas.
The DA called on fisherfolk to coordinate with local government units and follow advisories from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Tropical Cyclone “Salome” is the latest weather disturbance to threaten the country this month, following several days of heavy rains that already soaked parts of Luzon and Visayas. PAGASA earlier said that the storm could bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, which may trigger flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
In 2024, the agriculture sector lost nearly ₱4 billion worth of crops and livestock due to typhoons and flooding, according to DA data. The agency is now working with regional offices to prepare emergency assistance and quick-response measures once damage assessments begin.
The DA-DRRM Operations Center assured that updates on Typhoon Salome’s effects and the Department’s response efforts will be released regularly. For inquiries or assistance, the public may contact (02) 8929-0140.
As the nation braces for another typhoon, the DA reminds everyone that preparedness and quick action remain key to protecting lives and livelihoods.
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