THE Philippines is looking at raising rice importation to 4.5 million tons this year following the devastation to agriculture from consecutive typhoons that hit the country, President Marcos Jr. said yesterday.
The President made the statement when asked if the agricultural damage would warrant more rice importation
After a situation briefing on typhoon “Pepito,” in Camp Aguinaldo, in Quezon City, Marcos said it would be higher than the 3.9 million metric tons imported in 2023 and may reach 4.5 million tons.
As of October, rice importation was at 3.195 million metric tons.
“Yes. I think so, unfortunately. I just received a report from the DA. It looks like we will increase our importation. We will import close to 4.5 million tons,” the President said in mixed English and Filipino.
Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed the damage to agriculture due to the five recent typhoons reached closed to P6 billion or around P5.9 billion due to severe tropical storm “Kristine” and “Leon,” P16.2 million due to typhoon “Marce” and around
P835,326 due to typhoon “Nika” and “Ofel.”
The President assured the public that “it terms of food security, we’re alright” despite the damages on rice fields and other crops.
Pepito intensified into a typhoon yesterday morning and may further strengthen into a super typhoon prior to landfall in Catanduanes on Saturday night or early morning Sunday.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) administrator Nathaniel Servando said intense to torrential rains are expected in several provinces in the next several days.
“It is expected to further intensify while heading towards the landmass and it may reach the super typhoon category before making landfall over Catanduanes tomorrow night or Sunday early morning,” Servando said in Camp Aguinaldo during a meeting presided over by President Marcos Jr.
“Its center will traverse parts of Bicol region, Quezon and Central Luzon, then exit the landmass via Pangasinan on Sunday evening, then exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday,” added Servando.
Office of Civil Defense-Operations Service chief Maria Agnes Palacio said concerned local governments have been advised to take actions to mitigate the effects of Pepito, including the conduct of preemptive evacuation and force evacuation starting today.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Rome Brawner Jr said several military aircraft are on standby ready to help in disaster response operations.
Meanwhile, severe tropical storm “Ofel” exited the PAR yesterday afternoon. – With Victor Reyes
