Cebu Lost P200M in Crops to 3 Typhoons

The three typhoons that hit Cebu towards the end of last year destroyed at least Php 199,412,064.06 worth of crops.

This was based on the damage assessment report of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) as of January 9.

Ruby, which hit the north last November, incurred the biggest damage with Php 144,521,782.06. Typhoon Queenie and Typhoon Seniang, which both hit the south, left Php 47,741,213.00, and Php 7,149,065.00 worth of damage, respectively.

In the initial damage assessment report collected by the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (PVO), Typhoon Seniang also wasted Php 5,398,760.00 worth of livestock and poultry.

PVO’s reports came from the towns of Oslob, Moalboal, Ronda, Sibonga,and Argao, which were heavily affected by the typhoon.

Earlier, Governor Hilario P. Davide III said he was told by the President to submit documentary requirements to get assistance from the Malacañang.

Dr. Roldan Saragena, officer-in-charge of OPA , said the Capitol now is in the process of purchasing Php 5 million worth of seeds and seedlings to compensate for the damage. The identified damaged crops include corn, rice, banana, mango, vegetables, and camote.

“We are planning to purchase the seeds and seedlings of a variety of crops that are fast moving in the market,” he said.

Saragena hoped that these crops were insured under the agri-fishery insurance program of the Capitol. The insurance program includes livestock and personal accident insurance of the farmers.

”Mao na nga importante jud kaayo nga ma insured ang ilang mga pananom (This really shows how important the insurance of their crops is),” he said.

He reiterated to the farmers to avail of the Capitol’s insurance program in coordination with their respective municipal or city agriculture offices.

“The farmers would know if they are insured. They are encouraged to coordinate with us or go directly to insurance provider to claim their insurance proceeds,” he added.

For 2014, the Capitol spent Php 6 million for the insurance premiums, covering around 27 farmers throughout the province.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy also stated that by February or March, the Capitol will start implementing its livestock dispersal program. A Php 3-million worth of cows and carabaos (95 heads) will be distributed.

The prioritized beneficiaries of the program are the typhoon-affected farmers.

www.cebu.gov.ph