By Philippine Daily Inquirer News Correspondent Villamor Visaya Jr.
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines — Severe Tropical Storm Crising caused an estimated P36.65 million in agricultural losses across Cagayan province, even as it spared some areas, the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The storm’s heavy rain submerged vast swaths of rice fields, corn farms, and high-value commercial crops, affecting at least 4,772 farmers, the agency said in its latest damage assessment.
Rice sustained the heaviest damage, amounting to P24.045 million. Most of the affected paddies were in the reproductive stage or had been newly planted.
The hardest-hit areas included the towns of Aparri, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Lal-lo, Sta.Ana, Alcala, Abulug, Allacapan, Ballesteros, Claveria, Amulung, Enrile, Iguig, Solana, and Tuao.
Fishponds and fish cages also suffered damage amounting to P7.99 million, impacting aquaculture operations in Buguey, Sta. Teresita, Aparri, Gonzaga, and Camalaniugan. Affected species include tilapia, milkfish, crab, catfish, sea urchin, lobster, and butterflyfish.
Meanwhile, high-value commercial crops—including vegetables, bananas, and various fruits—sustained losses valued at P2.43 million in Sta. Ana, Sta. Teresita, Abulug, and Lasam.
Corn crops, mostly in the reproductive and seedling stages, were also damaged, with losses reaching P2.18 million. Affected towns included Sta. Teresita, Gattaran, Rizal, Peñablanca, and Baggao.#
