Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday that Tropical Cyclone Tino is not expected to disrupt the country’s rice supply, but warned that corn production may take a heavy hit.
“We’re not too worried about rice since the harvest is almost complete in major producing provinces, and most of the affected areas are not key rice zones. But we may have an issue with corn because about 33,000 hectares of cornfields were affected by Tino,” Tiu Laurel said.
He instructed all regional field offices to conduct rapid damage assessments and prepare for another, potentially stronger typhoon forecast to hit Northern Luzon this weekend.
To aid recovery, the DA said it would distribute P255 million worth of farm inputs including rice, corn and vegetable seeds, fingerlings and biologics to affected farmers and fisherfolk. Assistance for repairing boats and fishing gear, as well as fuel support, will also be made available.
The DA ordered the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to fast-track insurance claims, while the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) will offer loans of up to P25,000 under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program.
To ensure stable supply, the National Food Authority (NFA) has readied 2.6 million bags of rice for release to local governments and relief agencies.
Additional rice will be sold through Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets offering P20-per-kilogram rice and other low-cost commodities.
“We have enough rice stocks at the NFA to cover our needs,” Tiu Laurel said.
He said the government is on heightened alert to protect food supply chains as the typhoon season intensifies.
