Typhoon damage to agriculture in Negros reaches P1 billion

Agricultural losses in Negros have climbed to one billion pesos following the onslaught of a recent typhoon that battered farms, livestock areas, and major crop plantations across the province. Local officials released the updated figure after completing assessments in several hard hit municipalities.

According to the Provincial Agriculture Office, the typhoon destroyed wide areas of rice fields, sugarcane plantations, and vegetable farms. Many farmers reported that their crops were either submerged in floodwaters or completely flattened by strong winds. Livestock losses were also recorded, particularly among small scale farmers who struggled to secure their animals during the storm.

Field teams conducted rapid assessments in both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, revealing that some communities suffered near total crop failure. Local leaders described the damage as one of the most severe in recent years, noting that recovery may take months due to the scale of the destruction.

Farmers expressed worry over rising production costs and delayed harvests. Some shared that the typhoon struck just days before their scheduled harvest, wiping out months of labor and investment. Others fear that the loss of income will make it difficult to buy seeds and fertilizers for the next planting season.

The Department of Agriculture said it is preparing assistance packages that include seeds, planting materials, and financial support for affected farmers. The agency also plans to deploy technical officers to help communities restart their agricultural activities as soon as conditions allow.

Provincial officials are coordinating with national agencies to access emergency funds and to prioritize areas with the heaviest losses. They reminded residents to remain alert as the rainy season continues and to follow early warning advisories to reduce risks during future weather disturbances.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, and authorities expect to release more updates in the coming days as assessments continue across the province.