Typhoon Carina has left a trail of devastation across the Philippines, resulting in significant agricultural losses estimated at P203.38 million. On Thursday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) disclosed that the typhoon has severely impacted Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Western and Eastern Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, and CARAGA regions.

According to DA Bulletin #8, the natural disaster has affected 9,198 farmers and damaged 10,700 hectares of agricultural land. The bulletin further detailed that the typhoon caused a production loss of 2,575 metric tons, severely impacting the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture in these regions.

Typhoon Carina’s impact on the agricultural sector must be considered. The affected regions are crucial for the Philippines’ food production and supply chains, and the damage has raised concerns about potential food shortages and increased prices in the coming months. Farmers in these areas have been struggling to cope with the aftermath, with many facing the daunting task of rebuilding their livelihoods from scratch.

The Department of Agriculture has swiftly mobilized resources to support the affected farmers in response to the crisis. The DA has announced the availability of survival and recovery loan funds to help farmers recover. These loans, capped at P25,000 per farmer, come with a favorable repayment period of three years, providing some much-needed financial relief to those who have lost their crops and income.

The Quick Response Fund (QRF) has also been activated to provide immediate assistance. The QRF is designed to rapidly deploy resources to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, ensuring that affected communities receive timely support. The availability of these funds underscores the government’s commitment to addressing farmers’ needs and stabilizing the agricultural sector.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar emphasized the importance of these measures in a press conference. “We are committed to supporting our farmers during these challenging times. The survival and recovery loan funds and the Quick Response Fund are crucial components of our strategy to help our agricultural sector recover swiftly from the devastation caused by Typhoon Carina,” Dar stated.

Local government units (LGUs) in the affected regions have also been working closely with the DA to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Emergency response teams have distributed food packs, seeds, and other essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas. These collaborative efforts ensure that aid reaches those who need it most and that the recovery process begins without delay.

Farmers’ groups and agricultural associations have expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response but have also called for additional long-term support measures. They are advocating for enhanced disaster preparedness programs, better infrastructure to withstand future typhoons, and more robust insurance schemes to protect farmers from the financial fallout of such natural disasters.

The economic impact of Typhoon Carina extends beyond agriculture. Infrastructure damage, including roads and bridges, has hampered the transportation of goods and services, further complicating the recovery process. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the overall damage to infrastructure and estimating the funds required for rehabilitation.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Carina, the resilience and solidarity of the Filipino people are once again being tested. The government’s immediate response and activation of financial aid programs are steps in the right direction. Still, the road to recovery will require sustained efforts and cooperation from all sectors of society. The focus now is on rebuilding more robust and more resilient communities that can withstand the challenges posed by future natural disasters.

The recovery journey is just beginning for the affected farmers and their families. With the support of the government and the community, they hope to overcome this adversity and rebuild their lives.

**For further information, please contact:**

Department of Agriculture Public Affairs Office

Phone: (02) 8928-8741

Email: da_pao@da.gov.ph

The post Typhoon Carina Wreaks Havoc Across Multiple Regions, Causing P203.38 Million in Damage first appeared on Zamboanga .

Military Political Analyst

Makati, Manila

lukeallenmanila@journalist.com

Manila, May 28, 2024—The Philippine government has strongly protested China’s unilateral imposition of an annual fishing ban that extends into the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This ban, a recurring flashpoint in the ongoing South China Sea dispute, started on May 1 and will last until September 16, sparking diplomatic tensions between the two nations over contested waters.

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced the fishing moratorium in early April, citing the need to preserve marine resources. The ban encompasses areas of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea, which fall well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In a formal statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned the fishing ban, labeling it as an “illegal assertion of maritime authority” and a “blatant violation of Philippine sovereignty.” The DFA emphasized that the ban contravenes international law, including the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling in The Hague, invalidating China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

“We urge China to respect Philippine sovereignty and adhere to international law,” the DFA statement read. “The unilateral imposition of a fishing ban within our EEZ is an affront to our rights and duties as a coastal state. We call on China to cease illegal actions that breach our sovereignty and undermine regional stability.”

The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, a landmark decision that favored the Philippines, affirmed its sovereignty over its EEZ and condemned China’s construction of artificial islands and other activities in the disputed waters. However, China rejected the ruling, arguing that the PCA had no jurisdiction over the matter and has continued asserting its claims through various means, including the annual fishing ban.

The DFA’s protest is backed by several Philippine lawmakers and maritime experts, who view China’s actions as part of a broader strategy to assert control over the South China Sea. “This fishing ban is not about marine conservation; it’s about power projection,” said Jay Batongbacal, a maritime law expert and director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea. “China is using its domestic laws to enforce its claims, disregarding international law and the rights of other nations.”

The imposition of the fishing ban has not only sparked diplomatic tensions but also drawn criticism from local fishing communities and industry groups. These communities, already struggling with the impact of climate change and overfishing, are now further burdened by the restrictions. The Philippines’ fishing industry, particularly in Palawan, Zambales, and Pangasinan provinces, relies heavily on the rich fishing grounds within the West Philippine Sea. Fishermen in these areas have reported harassment by Chinese coast guard vessels, further complicating their livelihood.

“Our fishermen are being driven away from our own waters,” said Fernando Hicap, chairperson of the national fisherfolk organization Pamalakaya. “The government must take stronger measures to protect our fishing communities and assert our rights.”

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has increased patrols in the West Philippine Sea to safeguard Filipino fishermen and assert the country’s maritime rights. However, the PCG faces significant challenges due to the presence of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, often outnumbering and outmaneuvering Philippine patrols.

The international community has not turned a blind eye to the escalating tensions. The United States and several Southeast Asian nations have expressed their unwavering support for the Philippines, reiterating the importance of upholding international law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The U.S. State Department issued a statement calling China to “respect the rights of all nations and refrain from provocative actions that undermine regional peace and stability.” This global solidarity underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a peaceful resolution.

As the fishing ban continues, the Philippines is exploring diplomatic avenues to address the issue, including raising it at multilateral forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations. The DFA indicated that it would seek to build a coalition of like-minded states to pressure China into compliance with international maritime law.

Amidst the ongoing struggle for control in the South China Sea, a vital waterway rich in resources and strategic significance, the Philippines stands resolute. The standoff over the fishing ban is a testament to its unwavering commitment to defend its maritime rights, even as it navigates the complexities of regional geopolitics and the assertive posture of a rising China.

The post Philippines Protests China’s Annual Fishing Ban Covering the Philippine EEZ first appeared on Zamboanga .

”Kaming lahat ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan at nagsasanib puwersa sa kagustuhang mapawi ang iniinda ninyong hirap dulot ng matinding tagtuyot,” Marcos said in his speech. 

(We are all coordinating to ease your burden due to the El Niño phenomenon.)

”Base po sa pinakahuling datos na ibinahagi sa akin, umabot na po sa 3.6 milyong katao ang lubhang naapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan dulot nga ng El Niño,” he added. “Dito naman sa Zamboanga Peninsula, lampas tatlong libong hektarya (3,000 ha.) [ang] labis na naapektuhan dahil sa matinding init na ating nararamdaman ngayon.”

(Latest data indicates, at least 3.6 million individuals are affected by the El Niño. In Zamboanga peninsula, over 3,000 hectares are affected by the extreme heat.)

The beneficiaries from Region 9 received financial aid from the government totaling P10,000. Additionally, President Marcos gave the Provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay a total of about P58 million in financial support. Ten thousand farmers and fishermen will also receive P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. In the meantime, the “Lab For All” Caravan was sent by the Office of First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos to assist the families with their medical and health requirements.

The post Farmlands damaged by El Niño in Zamboanga first appeared on Zamboanga .