More than 31,000 farmers in Mindoro and surrounding provinces are set to receive P260 million pesos in emergency assistance after three successive typhoons devastated rice fields and croplands in southwestern Luzon, officials said Friday.

The aid package comes as the Department of Agriculture (DA) tallies losses of P1.2 billion pesos from typhoons Mirasol, Nando and Opong, which tore through the MIMAROPA region between August and September, damaging nearly 39,000 hectares of farmland.

“Our office is closely working with local government units to ensure that affected farmers receive immediate help through recovery interventions and crop insurance payouts,” said Maria Teresa Carido, disaster response focal officer for the Department of Agriculture in Oriental Mindoro, the hardest-hit province.

Rice paddies bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for P753 million pesos in losses — more than half the total damage.

High-value crops such as vegetables and fruits suffered P451 million pesos in losses, while corn, cassava and livestock were also affected.

The government response includes P44.2 million pesos in immediate aid for seeds, fertilizers and farming equipment.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has earmarked P195.5 million pesos for indemnity claims, while the Agricultural Credit Policy Council set aside P20 million pesos in emergency loans.

Agriculture officials announced the relief program during last Friday’s quarterly disaster management council meeting, as the Philippines enters the peak of typhoon season.

“These efforts are part of our continuous support to help farmers recover from the damages,” Carido said. “We are ensuring that support reaches even the smallest farmers affected by the calamities.”

(photo taken in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro in September 2025, courtesy of Malagkit Viness)