Damage to rice crops in Ilocos Norte from Typhoon Julian has reached an estimated P85 million with farmers struggling to recover after the storm hit just before harvest season.

Farmers, such as Marilyn Madigal and Bernardo Omles, are among those who suffered major losses.

The typhoon struck right before their rice fields were ready for harvest, wiping out crops that would have sustained their families for months.

"Kahapon naiyak ako kasi malaking epekto, ‘yung mga namumulaklak wala na," Madigal said.

"Kung hindi na maarawan, lugi na. Hindi namin alam kong may maibigay sa amin," Omles added.

Omles, like many others, faces uncertainty as they assess the damage and wait for further assistance.

Despite these hardships, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Government remains hopeful that the region's rice supply will not suffer a significant shortage.

According to Engr. Randy Nicolas of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the province’s rice sufficiency stands at more than 100 percent.

"Ang rice sufficiency ng province ay more than 100 percent, so we are hoping na with the recent typhoon damages ay maliit lang na suplay ang epekto," Nicolas said.

SINAG (Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura) Chairman, Engr. Rosendo So, reassured the public that the overall rice supply and pricing will remain stable.

"Hindi masyadong apektado sa total rice (harvest) na mangyayari. So, ang tingin natin hindi naman makakaapekto," So said.

In Cagayan, the effects of Typhoon Julian were similarly devastating, with initial reports indicating over P1.1 million in damages to the livestock sector.

More than 900 animals, including chickens, pigs, and cattle, were lost, impacting 174 farmers across various towns.

Local authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage as recovery efforts begin in the region.