Manila, Aug. 18 -- Effective flood control projects could significantly cut annual rice production losses caused by typhoons and other weather disturbances, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday.

At a press briefing on Monday, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said palay (unhusked rice) damage largely depends on how long floodwaters submerge the fields.

"If our flood control system is effective -if flooding occurs but quickly subsides- damage to the agriculture sector will be minimized," he said, citing this in light of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent statements flagging irregularities in certain flood control projects.

"So, the sector is affected when flooding is not immediately abated," he added. ...