Three people have died while 370,289 individuals have been affected by the combined impact of Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon (Habagat), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.
According to the latest NDRRMC situation report, three people were injured and three others remain missing. These figures are still subject to validation, the agency said.
Central Luzon bore the brunt of the weather disturbances, with 40,033 families or 137,055 individuals affected. In Cagayan province, 945 families—or 3,129 individuals—have been evacuated from flood-prone areas across 18 municipalities. Of these, 1,948 evacuees are staying in evacuation centers, while 1,030 are temporarily housed with neighbors or relatives.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the combined impact of Crising and the monsoon rains has caused at least P52.74 million in agricultural damage. About 2,099 farmers were affected, with losses covering 2,466 hectares of farmland and 2,147 metric tons in production. Of the damaged areas, 61.5 percent or 1,519 hectares may still recover, while 948 hectares are likely permanently damaged.
Acting Agriculture Secretary Roger Navarro ordered DA units to immediately assist affected farmers and fisherfolk. “We must act without delay, weather permitting, to ease the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk,” he said. Rice fields accounted for over 96 percent of reported losses, though damage was also reported to high-value crops, corn, livestock, and fishery assets.
In response, the DA has mobilized P133.09 million worth of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds through its regional offices. It also activated its Quick Response Fund (QRF) and zero-interest loans of up to P25,000 via the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, payable over three years. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has deployed personnel to fast-track claims processing for insured farmers.
The National Food Authority (NFA) reported that its warehouse in Mindoro was also affected, but rice distribution efforts continue. Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that 500 sacks of rice have already been sent to local governments in Palawan.
The DA said limited road access in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Negros Island Region, and parts of Regions III and IV-B could hinder the transport of agricultural goods. Regional offices are conducting price monitoring to prevent supply chain disruptions.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) continues to provide relief assistance and is coordinating with local governments to assess damage to property and livelihoods. In a meeting held in Lal-lo on Saturday, Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay underscored the importance of coordination. “The PDRRMO should define what the towns must have, such as organization, training, equipment, simulation exercises, inspection, and accounting,” Aglipay said. “We will provide support where there is a gap.”
In Pangasinan, the municipality of Umingan declared a state of calamity after floods triggered by Crising displaced 6,061 families or 16,519 individuals across 40 barangays. The local government reported damage to livelihoods and disruptions to essential services. According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the floods have since subsided, and the affected families have returned home.
Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office emergency operations center head Maegan Equila said the flash flooding was caused by the late opening of floodgates. “The local government has conducted an investigation and found that the gates of the flood control system were not opened on time. We are yet to receive an official report,” she added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said moderate to heavy rains (50-100 mm) are expected today in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, and Batangas. The same weather pattern is forecast tomorrow for Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA warned of flooding and landslides, especially in highly urbanized, low-lying, and mountainous areas. Bataan, Zambales, and Occidental Mindoro may receive heavy to intense rains (100-200 mm), increasing the risk of flooding.
Other areas, including Benguet, Laguna, Rizal, and Oriental Mindoro, will have occasional rains, while the Visayas, parts of Luzon, and regions in Mindanao may experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.
Flash floods and landslides remain likely during severe thunderstorms, the weather bureau said. PAGASA and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and issue public warnings.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “‘Crising,’ monsoon rains kill 3; over 370k affected—NDRRMC”
