From Ilocos to Bicol, farmers share the same concerns about the Marcos regime’s incompetence and neglect amid widespread damage to agriculture caused by consecutive disasters that struck the country.

In Bulacan, farmers from Malolos City, Plaridel, and Calumpit held a dialogue with the National Irrigation Administration on September 26 to demand the immediate rehabilitation of irrigation systems damaged by El Niño and La Niña. They said the damaged irrigation infrastructure has caused repeated flooding during high tide, excessive damage to their crops, and saltwater intrusion into their farms

They said while rehabilitating infrastructure is long-term solution, the government should immediately provide the necessary equipment, such as motor pumps and deep wells, to address the urgent production need.

In Ilocos Norte, damage to crops had reached ₱87 million, including an additional ₱385,000 loss in livestock due to Typhoon Julian, which hit on October 2. The province is still recovering from the consecutive effects of El Niño and recent disasters, including flooding during Typhoon Carina and monsoon rains, which severely affected the agricultural sector.

The farmers are demanding ₱25,000 in production subsidies, ₱15,000 in subsidies for fisherfolk, and ₱10,000 in financial assistance for those affected by the typhoon and flooding.

In Bicol, farmers from Libon, Albay, and Nabua and Bato, Camarines Sur are also demanding subsidies and compensation. Almost 400 hectares of rice fields remain submerged in floodwaters. Most of these were ready for harvest in September. The floodwaters typically take one to two months to recede, and the water level can reach as high as 6-7 feet. Crop damage is estimated at 90-100% in the flooded areas. The farmers demand the construction of dikes, assistance for buying farm inputs, and capital for land preparation and planting.