Triple Typhoon Impact: Agricultural Damage, Price Surges, and Recovery Efforts in the Philippines

Overview of Simultaneous Arrivals of Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, and Helen

Between September 13 and 18, 2024, the Philippines experienced the simultaneous arrival of typhoons as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), causing widespread disruptions. In just five days, the overlapping storms brought continuous rainfall, escalating disruptions in transportation, agriculture, and daily routines. This led to widespread cancellations of work, classes, and local land, sea, and air travel.

Table 1. Tropical Disturbances and Affected Areas in the Philippines on September 13-18, 2024

Source: PAGASA, 2024

Crop Losses Due to Typhoons

On September 19, 2024, the Department of Agriculture Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center (DA DRRM-OC) reported agricultural damages in the regions of MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula due to the effects of the three typhoons that caused heavy rains and flooding, disrupting transportation and agricultural activities. The DA DRRM-OC reported that agricultural damages reached Php1.09 billion, with losses distributed among rice, corn, high-value crops (HVC), livestock production, and irrigation facilities as shown in the table below. In total, 50,913 metric tons (MT) of agricultural products were lost, impacting 26,217 farmers across 24,247 hectares (Ha), with 83.31% of the affected areas still showing potential for recovery.

The DA DRRM-OC report detailed the extent of the damage to specific crops and areas. Rice farms suffered damage across 23,692 Ha, 84% of which have recovery potential. This resulted in 49,205 MT of rice losses, valued at Php1.04 billion. Corn fields sustained damage to 380 Ha, with 79% potentially recoverable, leading to losses of 1,192 MT of corn, valued at Php24.76 million. In addition, HVC, including lowland vegetables, ube, and bananas, were affected across 176 Ha, with 45% having a chance to recover, causing 516 MT of HVC losses, valued at Php20.36 million. 

Table 2. Summary of Agricultural Damages Due to Effects of Typhoon Ferdie, Gener, and Helen 

Source: DA DRRM-OC, 2024

Vegetable Price Surge During Typhoons

Based on the Department of Agriculture (DA) Price Monitoring database as of September 18, 2024, the prices of selected vegetables in Metro Manila’s public markets increased by an average of Php 6 to Php 29 per kilogram (kg). This price surge occurred during the period when the effects of three typhoons were felt, specifically from September 13 to September 18. These prices were compared to the average prices of vegetables before the arrival of the typhoons.

Table 3. List of Vegetables and Corresponding Price Increase per Kilogram (in Php/kg)

Source: DA Price Monitoring, 2024

*Average price per kilogram from September 7-12, 2024

The combined effects of heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding in major agricultural regions hindered farmers from delivering their produce, and delayed the transport of vegetables to Metro Manila. This disruption led to a shortage in supply, contributing to a significant increase in market prices.

Government Response 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through PAGASA, closely monitored Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, and Helen, issuing warnings about their tracks and potential flood risks. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Director Edgar Posadas reported that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the OCD to maintain communication with local government units (LGUs) to assess needs and ensure assistance to affected communities.

In response to the impacts of the typhoons, the DA is assessing damage to agriculture and fisheries while providing support to affected farmers, including distributing rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, and offering the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program. This program provides loans of up to Php 25,000 at zero interest, payable over three years, to help farmers recover from losses. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated Php 265,805.61 in relief assistance to families in Cagayan Valley, distributing 375 boxes of family food packs and providing immediate aid to families in Sto. Niño, Palanan, and Cabarroguis. Both departments are coordinating with LGUs to monitor conditions and evaluate additional assistance needs.

International Aid

On September 19, 2024, the European Union (EU) announced that the Philippines will receive Php 12 million (€200,000) to aid recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, and Helen. This will be used in humanitarian aid to address urgent needs such as food, water, sanitation, and healthcare. This funding aims to support affected communities, where at least 20 people have been reported dead and 14 are missing.

Market Outlook

The agricultural market, still recovering from the effects of Typhoon Enteng, is now faced with new challenges after Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, Helen, and the Southwest Monsoon caused damage to agricultural production sites and infrastructure. Vegetable prices are expected to remain unstable in the coming weeks due to supply disruptions caused by crop losses in key growing areas. While some stabilization may occur as supply issues are resolved, overall prices will likely remain high. Farmers are likely to experience reduced incomes from crop losses and increased production costs as they repair damaged infrastructure and try to return to normal operations. Continued support for both farmers and consumers is crucial during the recovery process.