Typhoon Enteng: Agricultural Devastation, Impact on Prices, Government Response and Support

Effects of Typhoon Enteng in Agriculture: Crops Losses and Supply Chain Disruptions

On September 1 to 4, 2024, Typhoon Enteng hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and caused widespread damage in the agriculture sector. The typhoon brought heavy rains and flooding, disrupting transportation and agricultural activities. According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), the affected regions included the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. 

On September 9, 2024, the DA Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center (DA DRRM-OC) reported that agricultural damages caused by Typhoon Enteng had reached Php 2.26 billion. The losses were distributed as follows: 49% affecting rice production, 48% affecting irrigation systems, 2% affecting corn, and 1% involving high-value crops (HVC), cassava, livestock, and poultry. In total, 51,729 metric tons (MT) of agricultural products were lost, impacting 59,669 farmers across 37,471 hectares (Ha), with 80.48% of the affected areas still having a chance of recovery.

The DA DRRM-OC report detailed the extent of the damage to specific crops and areas. Rice farms suffered damage across 34,935 Ha, 80% of which have recovery potential. This resulted in 48,646 MT of rice losses, valued at Php 1.11 billion. Corn fields sustained damage to 2,320 Ha, with 95% potentially recoverable, leading to losses of 2,434 MT of corn, valued at Php 42.66 million. 

In addition, 19 Ha of cassava were damaged, with 11% potentially recoverable, resulting in 101 MT of losses worth Php 1.98 million. High-value crops, including lowland vegetables and bananas, were affected across 198 Ha, with 83% having a chance to recover, causing 548 MT of HVC losses, valued at Php 26.66 million. Irrigation systems, including National Irrigation Systems (NIS) and Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS), were damaged resulting in losses valued at Php 1.08 billion. 

Table 1. Summary of Agricultural Damages due to Effects of Typhoon Enteng

Source: DA DRRM-OC, 2024

Vegetables Price Surge 

On September 4, 2024, PTV Philippines reported a surge in vegetable prices due to the impact of Typhoon Enteng. According to the DA Price Monitoring database for August 30, 2024 and September 3, 2024, the prices of selected vegetables in Metro Manila’s public markets increased by Php 5 to Php 50 per kilogram (kg). 

Table 2. List of Vegetables and Corresponding Price Increase per Kilogram (in Php)

Source: DA Price Monitoring, 2024

Vendors in Metro Manila public markets attributed the price hikes to a reduced supply caused by logistical challenges. Farmers were unable to deliver their goods due to crop damage, leading to supply shortages. These disruptions also affected the areas they normally supplied, further driving up prices. Typhoon Enteng’s heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding disrupted the delivery of agricultural products from Bulacan, leading to a shortage of vegetables in the market.

Government Response 

In response to Severe Tropical Storm Enteng, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through PAGASA, closely monitored the storm and  issued warnings and updates regarding its track and potential impacts, including flood risks near La Mesa Dam in Quezon City. On September 3, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that over Php 2.6 billion in food and non-food relief items had been allocated for typhoon victims. Additionally, he revealed that Php 65.56 million in standby funds was available for those severely affected by the storm.

The DA, along with its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), assisted farmers affected by the typhoon. This support included Php 202.86 million in aid, comprising seeds, bio-control agents, and farm tools distributed by the RFOs. Additionally, the DA offered farmers loan assistance amounting to Php 25,000 through the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Aid Loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). This loan is repayable over three years with zero interest. Moreover, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) allocated funds to compensate insured farmers for their losses.

Non-Government Organizations’ Relief Efforts

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) mobilized to provide relief to those affected by Severe Tropical Storm Enteng. The GMA Kapuso Foundation led disaster relief efforts through its Operation Bayanihan Project, collecting donations via various banks, e-wallets, and online platforms. Community Pantry PH set up community kitchens in affected areas such as Taytay, Pasig, and Marikina, setting up at least five kitchens per location and accepting donations through GCash. The Balai Obrero Foundation also collected cash and in-kind donations, including food and medicine, to support those in need.

Other organizations, such as Task Force Children of the Storm, Sandigan, Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM), and Kadamay, also participated in relief efforts. Task Force Children of the Storm launched the “Tulong Paslit Mobile Kitchen” to assist affected families, while Sandigan focused on relief operations in Cainta. AGHAM, in collaboration with other NGOs like Brigada Kalikasan, SciTech Network for People’s Dev, Computer Professionals’ Union, and Propel – Pro-People Engineers and Leaders, provided aid to coastal communities in Navotas. Kadamay conducted a donation drive for urban poor communities in Metro Manila, and Angat Taytay organized assistance for families in Taytay, Rizal.

Market Outlook

The full extent of the typhoon’s impact on the agricultural market is still unfolding. However, the current situation indicates a challenging period for both farmers and consumers alike. Vegetable prices are expected to remain unstable in the coming weeks. While some price stabilization may occur as immediate supply disruptions are addressed, the overall price level will likely remain elevated due to crop losses. Farmers, on the other hand, face a decrease in income and increased production costs as they work to repair damaged infrastructures.