Farmers in Ilocos Norte denounced the Marcos regime’s “world-class incompetence and neglect” amid the widespread damage caused by Typhoon Julian on October 2. The province has yet to recover from the adverse effects of El Niño and previous disasters, including flooding from Typhoon Carina and southerly winds, which severely affected the agricultural sector.

Crop damage has reached ₱87 million, alongside ₱385,000 livestock loss. The recent disaster devastated more than 23,600 families (approximately 86,410 individuals). Three were killed and one remains missing. In addition, 917 families were forced to evacuate from their homes due to the typhoon’s impact.

“We will definitely suffer loss again when the rice harvest starts this October,” according to the Solidarity of Peasants Against Exploitation (STOP Exploitation)-Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Alyansa Dagiti Mannalon iti Ilocos Norte (AMIN). “Where are the 5,500 flood control projects that (Marcos) flaunted in his SONA?”

“What we see is a chronic lack of disaster preparedness and support for farmers,” they said.

The groups are calling for immediate and appropriate assistance from the regime and the Department of Agriculture (DA). They said the government should provide reasonable compensation for the damaged crops that reflects their production costs.

They are demanding ₱25,000 production subsidy for farmers, ₱15,000 subsidy for fisherfolk, and ₱10,000 financial aid for all affected by typhoons and floods.

With the 2025 election approaching, STOP Exploitation and AMIN warned that voters will hold government officials accountable for their failings. They challenged the candidates to prioritize the needs of farmers and fisherfolk over personal interests.

“The people will reject the likes of Marcos Jr and his henchmen. We challenge those who want to run for office and assume office—address and prioritize the interests and well-being of the masses of farmers, fisherfolk, and the people, and not the pockets and interests of a few!”