Typhoon "Ruby" has further weakened as it continues to threaten the Northern and Eastern Samar Provinces.

Philippine farmers and fishers are bracing for typhoon Hagupit  (locally known as Ruby) which is expected to make landfall in Northern or Eastern Samar on Sunday morning.

While the typhoon’s track remains uncertain, Hagupit/Ruby is projected to hit various regions that were already severely affected by Typhoon Haiyan 12 months ago, including the Visayas, the Bicol Peninsula, Calabarzon, Mindanao and potentially Metro Manila.

“If Typhoon Hagupit/Ruby continues on its projected track, it will adversely impact and negate the recovery of Haiyan-affected farmers and fishers – thus exposing them again to falling into poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition, and prolonging reliance on external assistance,” said FAO-Representative José Luis Fernandez.

 “According to preliminary estimates, 4.5 million people could potentially be affected again. Of these, the vast majority are involved in agriculture,” he said.

On Thursday, the Department of Agriculture called on farmers in areas to be affected by Ruby to harvest their maturing crops prior to the typhoon’s landfall.

The agriculture sector is at risk of losing 691,692 hectares of rice lands and 303,542 hectares dedicated to corn already in the maturity stage, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a statement. 

Fernandez added that many farmers in potentially affected regions will soon be preparing the land to meet the upcoming planting season.

“Not meeting the planting season would mean the loss of staple food for home consumption, loss of income, increased debt and prolonged dependence on external food aid.”

“In addition, many farmers are still living in temporary housing and are exposed to extreme weather conditions and water entering their homes, which means their stored harvest and seed stock is at risk of being damaged or destroyed,” Fernandez said.

FAO Ready to Assist Rehabilitation Efforts

FAO-Philippines established seven field offices following Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda with over 100 staff and has activated full emergency preparedness in potentially affected areas.

Based on existing networks and suppliers FAO has been working with, the organization is standing ready to implement fast-track mechanisms if required.

FAO works closely with the Government, particularly with the Department of Agriculture (DA), coordinating with the DA both at national and regional levels, informing them of FAO’s readiness to provide assistance.FAO is further in close contact with the government to support any damage, loss and needs assessments, as it is strategically positioned with technical expertise available in the field to respond to this crisis.