Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement a price freeze on agricultural commodities in areas severely affected by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. announced during a press conference that the price freeze may also extend to Metro Manila if the capital’s food supply is disrupted, particularly with the upcoming holiday season.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is also considering distributing PHP20 per kg rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program to typhoon-affected areas upon request from local governments. The DA plans to finalize intervention measures by Friday or Saturday, pending regional assessments of crop losses. Initial reports indicate agricultural damage amounting to PHP13.26 million, impacting 742 farmers and fishers.

The rice sector experienced the largest losses at PHP10.76 million, followed by corn with PHP1.62 million in losses, high-value crops at PHP461,020, infrastructure and equipment at PHP370,000, and livestock and poultry at PHP45,350. In response, the DA has allocated at least PHP255 million in aid for affected farmers and fishers, including PHP216.39 million for distributing farm inputs such as rice, corn, and high-value crop seedlings.

Additionally, affected livestock raisers will receive PHP1.12 million worth of animal feeds and supplements, while fishers will be provided with PHP841,600 worth of bangus, tilapia, and carp fingerlings. The National Food Authority (NFA) has also positioned 2.6 million bags of rice on standby for local government units and relief agencies.

A PHP25,000 loanable amount under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan and indemnification programs is available to affected farmers, with a quick response fund set for the recovery and rehabilitation of damaged agricultural lands. Tiu Laurel also assured preparations for the potential impact of an incoming tropical cyclone.