THE enhanced southwest monsoon caused more than P135 million in agricultural losses, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said on Monday.

Speaking on One  News’ Money Talks with Cathy Yang, Mr. Laurel said that over 6,000 families were affected and more than 4,500 hectares of farmland were damaged, with production losses exceeding 4,500 metric tons.

“This is a minor setback in our productions plans and the overall picture,” Mr. Laurel said.

Mr. Laurel said that while the fisheries sector also sustained damage, the extent has yet to be quantified. He noted that the disruptions were mainly due to the strong weather and the inability to harvest.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will be extending assistance to affected farmers through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery (SURE) loan program, as well as providing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, medicine, and feeds.

“We have a SURE loan system wherein each beneficiary can loan up to P25,000. And of course, the DA will be sending out seeds, fertilizers for rice, corn, and vegetables. Of course, livestock industry will also be given some medicines and feeds, among others,” Mr. Laurel said.

Meanwhile, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has opened their emergency loan program for members and pensioners affected by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

The state pension fund will open the loan program once the areas are declared a state of calamity, it said in a press release on Monday.

Under the program, members with no existing emergency loans can borrow up to P20,000, while those with an existing balance can borrow up to P40,000. The loan has a 6% interest rate and a three-year payment term.

Old-age and disability pensioners residing in declared calamity areas may also apply, the GSIS said, provided their resulting net monthly pension after loan deduction is at least 25% of their basic monthly pension. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza and Aaron Michael C. Sy

Published Date: August 11, 2026