Over P.5B in agricultural losses recorded in Cagayan Valley due to Tropical Cyclones Marisol and Nando

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – Cagayan Valley incurred massive agricultural losses of over P500 million following the onslaught of two consecutive tropical cyclones this month, according to the initial assessment of the Department of Agriculture.

To recall, Tropical Depression Mirasol hit Northern Luzon on September 17, bringing heavy rains in said region before it exited the following day, September 18. Farmers were starting to recover when Super Typhoon Nando came four days later.

These storms devastated vast farmlands and infrastructures in the region, with damages now reaching P596.5 million.

Regional Corn Program Focal Person Paul Vincent Balao, according to a local media outlet in Cagayan, said the storm uprooted and flattened crops (mostly palay), drowned livestock, and destroyed farm equipment, directly affecting the livelihood of more than 16,000 farmers.

It was said that rice farmers suffered the biggest losses, with an initial estimate of P424.3 million from 11,084 hectares of rice fields affected. Aside from the rice paddies, 5,224 hectares of corn lands also took a huge hit with P117.6 million in losses, accordingly.

Meantime, high-value crops such as vegetables were initially assessed with P54.3 million in damages. Adding to the farmers’ burden, losses in livestock were also recorded, valued at P301,750, while destroyed farm infrastructure and equipment was estimated at P640,000.

Balao said the amount of damages may increase when all reports have been consolidated and all areas assessed.

To help the affected farmers recover from their losses, Balao said the regional DA office assured various assistance to be provided after the final assessment is done.

Balao also mentioned that a rehabilitation plan is now being prepared whose funding may come from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program to extend support to the victims.

The extent of damage to the region’s infrastructure sector, meanwhile, is yet to be reported as no available data from the offices concerned are accessible.