The Department of Agriculture (DA) said effective flood control projects could greatly reduce rice production losses caused by typhoons and heavy rains. DA spokesperson Asec. Arnel de Mesa explained that damage to palay largely depends on how long fields remain submerged in floodwaters.
The rice industry loses an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons yearly due to typhoons and flooding, also affecting livestock, irrigation, and other farm infrastructure. De Mesa urged continuous budget support for the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management and the National Irrigation Administration, noting that irrigation and drainage facilities can also serve as flood control systems.
The DA stressed that with part of a ₱100-billion allocation for irrigation and drainage, thousands of hectares of farmland could benefit, while also reducing flood risks.
