By Michelle Ducut
Damayan nin Paraoma (DAMPA), a farmers’ group in Camarines Sur, has criticized the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. over its response to agricultural damages caused by severe tropical storm Kristine. The farmers, who were still reeling from damage left by Typhoon Enteng in September, now face further losses from heavy flooding due to KristinePH.
Rolly Benaid, a 43-year-old farmer in Camarines Sur, described the challenges the community faces: “It’s really hard for us now. We don’t know how to start farming. We are asking for help, especially from the government, even a little assistance to start farming. We don’t have anything.”
According to DAMPA CamSur, the administration’s response to KristinePH’s impact on agriculture has been inadequate. “What we see right now is a sloppy response to disaster victims,” the group stated. They criticized the administration’s focus on infrastructure projects that, according to DAMPA, negatively impact the environment and agricultural lands rather than addressing immediate disaster recovery needs.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports that approximately 21, 357 hectares of farmland in the Bicol region have been affected by the storm, with more than 13, 871 hectares of rice fields suffering significant losses. In Camarines Sur alone, nearly 10, 159 hectares were impacted, and over 5, 132 hectares are deemed unproductive due to the severe flooding. DAMPA emphasized that from the beginning of his term, President Marcos Jr. has not prioritized farmers’ welfare.
DAMPA urged farmers to demand accountability from the administration, asserting that the lack of support for agricultural recovery efforts is “unacceptable.” The organization called for unity among farmers to advocate for immediate aid and compensation for those affected by natural disasters.
Meanwhile, members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) held a picket at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) offices. The group demanded immediate financial aid for damaged crops, livestock, and farm equipment, citing what they described as poor government response and environmentally harmful projects that exacerbate climate impacts on agriculture. According to the KMP, damages from KristinePH to the country’s agricultural sector have already reached PHP 3.11 billion.