THIS is the situation in several agriculture lands across the country, severely damaged by past typhoons.
Flooded fields of rice, corn, and vegetables have led to significant losses for farmers.
The agricultural sector has not yet recovered from the severe effects of the El Niño phenomenon, and now it faces the impact of typhoon Aghon, the first typhoon of the year 2024.
The Federation of Free Farmer’s Cooperative is concerned about the potential damage Typhoon Aghon could cause to crops, especially as some farmers are still trying to harvest their agricultural products.
“Of course, some areas will be hit that’s the reality in agriculture – if there’s no typhoon, there’s drought. So, unless you’ve prepared in advance, there’s not much you can do when a typhoon hit’s,” according to Raul Montemayor, National Manager, FFF.
The FFF does not dismiss the possibility that the damage from the heavy rains brought by typhoons could be greater than the impact of El Niño, as previously stated by the Agriculture Department.
“El Niño can be somewhat offset by irrigation or water pumps. You can still do something if you have a water source. But when it comes to typhoons, wind, submersion, and flooding, it’s challenging to counteract those,” added Montemayor.
Farmers advised to harvest remaining crops before Typhoon Aghon
The DA advises farmers and fishermen under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals due to Typhoon Aghon to harvest their remaining mature crops and utilize post-harvest facilities.
Ensure the safety of livestock, as well as reserve seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment.
The agency also urges fishermen to secure fishing vessels in higher ground and avoid sea travel as potentially rough conditions prevail over affected seaboards.
The Agriculture Department clarified that they have not yet received data on any damage to agriculture caused by the said typhoon.
“Currently, we are still assessing the situation. We know that the rice harvest season has just ended for most, and some are just starting land preparation with access to water,” U-Nichols Manalo, OIC- Assistant Secretary for Operations, DA.
The department is prepared to assist affected farmers and fishermen in the event of damage due to the typhoon.
Potential interventions by the agency are also ready to be deployed if needed.
DA warns vs price gouging during Typhoon Aghon
Despite the calamities, the supply of basic commodities remains sufficient.
However, the DA calls for:
“The most important thing is to determine the sources of products. If the source of the product was not affected by the typhoon, don’t exploit the calamity to increase prices. Let’s not forget the Price Act unusual price increases that we see trending are subject to penalties under the law,” Manalo added.
DTI: Price freeze can be implemented in areas under Signal No. 3 due to Typhoon Aghon
The Trade and Industry Department does not foresee a shortage of basic and prime commodities despite challenges from El Niño and now Typhoon Aghon.
Several manufacturers continue to voluntarily implement price freeze to help consumers amid the rising prices of basic goods.
The DTI can implement a price freeze in areas under a state of calamity or emergency.
However, areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 3 are free to impose a price freeze on basic goods.
“If they implement a price freeze without a state of calamity, it benefits consumers. We see it as an aid from manufacturers to consumers during these challenging times, with calamities and high inflation, especially now that La Niña is approaching. So, they are free to do that,” Asec. Amanda Nograles, Consumer Protection Group, DTI
