Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women calls for immediate compensation and sufficient aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by typhoon Crising and the southwest monsoon. The group also demands for a more comprehensive and effective program to respond to disasters.

NDRRMC reported that typhoon Crising most greatly impacted Central Luzon, affecting nearly 40,033 families or 137,055 individuals. Flooding reached 150 areas in 12 regions (Region 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Region 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, CARAGA, NCR, and Negros island).

The Department of Agriculture monitors around 742,000 hectares of rice and corn in the affected provinces. In Negros Occidental, the initial reported loss amounted to ₱30,000 from 20 hectares of rice fields.

Amihan secretary general and Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo said that based on the experience in past disasters, DA distributes insufficient farm inputs and crop insurance to farmers. “Because of the high costs of farming and the low prices of rice and other agricultural products, cash assistance and compensation for destroyed crops and fishing equipment are really necessary.”

Amihan reiterated its call for ₱25,000 compensation to help the agriculture sector recover from the disaster. The group also continued its long-standing call for a ₱25,000 production subsidy for farmers, ₱15,000 subsidy for fisherfolk, and ₱10,000 assistance for storm victims, especially families forced to evacuate their homes.

“Not all farmers and fisherfolk in need receive aid. Calculating a farmer’s average expenses per each season, the assistance provided is also far from enough to truly recover from losses. Farmers unable to pay debts incurred for farm expenses suffer even more,” Estavillo added.

“Farmers need proper irrigation and drainage systems to deal with flooding and recurring water shortages. They also need proper storage for seeds, fertilizer, and equipment, and shelters for livestock.”

“When disasters strike, mere band-aid solutions will not work. We need long-term measures to address recurring problems such as the climate crisis,” Estavillo explained.