CEBU, Philippines — From an initial estimate of P79 million, the Cebu City’s Agriculture Department has increased to P83 million the value of losses to agriculture in the city due to Typhoon Odette.
A total of 28 upland barangays were badly hit by the typhoon with 7,481 farmers affected, according to the department’s assessment.
City Agriculture Department head Joey Baclayon said 77% of agricultural products and crops got damaged. These products include leafy vegetables, sweet corn, fruit vegetables, flowers, coconut, mangoes and rice among others.
Some crops, including ground crops, were still saved after the typhoon since it did not rain that much.
The city government is set to give some assistance to the affected farmers, according to Baclayon.
“Initially ato na sila gitaagan og mga inputs like seeds, fertilizers ug uban pang mga gamit nila para malimpyuhan ug pagsugod ug pananum,” said Baclayon.
The city government is also setting aside funds as loan assistance and separate cash assistance for the affected farmers.
Each farmer is allowed to loan P5,000 as part of the recovery program.
“Loan assistance na nga gipaagi nato para pud nga makuan sa atong mga ipang-apod-apod pud nato nila unya ang atong gitagaan og una kato gyung pinaka affected gyud, severely affected gyud nga umahan,” said Baclayan.
The loan is without interest and can be paid over 10 years.
“Bayran na actually nila kay loan man gyud nga facility pero zero interest, payable for 10 years,” said Baclayon.
After the typhoon, Baclayon said, work continues for the farmers, not only for their families but also for fellow Cebuanos.
“Padyaon gyud sila ug pag-uma gihapon. Wala gyud silay undang. Maong kinahanglan gyud nato sila abagan karon,” said Baclayan.
Aside from the city’s efforts, the Department of Agriculture will be also helping the farmers to be able to recover soon.
Currently, DA has dispatched teams to conduct post-damage assessment and validate claims on damages due to Typhoon Odette and for proper intervention and support to the LGUs. — Decemay P. Padilla, JMD (FREEMAN)