Severe Tropical Storm Kristine: A Catastrophic Blow to Philippine Agriculture and Infrastructure

The Financial Impact of Kristine The financial toll from Kristine is staggering, with agricultural losses estimated at P4.85 billion, accounting for approximately 40% of the total damages. The Department of Agriculture (DA) highlighted that these losses stem from a significant increase in both production loss and the number of affected farmers. The storm's aftermath has left a staggering amount of crops destroyed, with palay production suffering the most. Agricultural Losses Breakdown Palay, or rice, remains the most affected crop, with losses totaling P4.12 billion and an alarming volume of 509,852 metric tons. Nearly four out of ten hectares of affected rice fields have been rendered completely unusable, primarily in the Bicol region. In addition to rice, high-value crops have also taken a hit, amounting to P554.83 million in losses. These include bananas, mangoes, pineapples, cacao, rubber, garlic, and onions. The destruction of these crops is concentrated in Mimaropa, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), where a quarter of the agricultural land has been severely damaged. Infrastructure Devastation The infrastructure damage from Kristine has reached P6.83 billion, affecting a total of 852 assets. This includes 250 roads, 151 schools, and 117 flood control structures. Other damaged facilities include government buildings, health centers, and bridges. The impact on irrigation facilities and farm structures has been particularly notable, with losses totaling P76.71 million. This damage is primarily concentrated in the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, further complicating recovery efforts for local farmers. A Ripple Effect on Livelihoods The storm's devastation extends beyond physical infrastructure and crops; it has significantly impacted the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. The DA estimates that the number of affected farmers and fisherfolk has surged by over 50%, reaching a staggering total of 120,315 individuals facing unsalvageable crops and flood-damaged plantations. As the DA continues to assess the damage, they anticipate further losses, with price monitoring of agricultural commodities already underway to gauge potential market price increases.