‘Crising’ causes PHP130M damage to agri, infrastructure

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Damage to agriculture and infrastructure caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising,” enhanced by the southwest monsoon, has reached PHP130,138,727, according to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRM) – Negros Island Region.

As of July 29, 2025, the RDRRM reported that losses in agriculture totaled PHP97,265,558.58, while infrastructure damage reached PHP88,713,000.

Office of Civil Defense–NIR Regional Director Donato Sermeno III told local reporters in a phone interview Tuesday that reports of additional damages are still being submitted.

“We are still collating data on the total damage,” Sermeno said.

Assistance extended to affected families has reached PHP32,873,169.

When asked about a possible freeze on fuel prices, Sermeno said the decision will come from the Department of Energy.

Three casualties have been recorded so far, he added.

A total of 188,498 individuals, or 49,795 families, across 208 barangays have been affected.

At least 507 houses were damaged—454 partially and 53 totally.

Sermeno clarified that no classrooms in Kanlaon-affected local government units are currently being used by internally displaced persons (IDPs).

He explained that classrooms are used only when weather conditions become unbearable.

IDPs have instead been provided shelter in the open fields of schools serving as designated evacuation centers.