Heavy rains destroy P3.7 million worth of mangoes

CEBU, Philippines —  Moderate to heavy downpours in the past few days have caused an extensive damage to a two-hectare mango farm in Barangay Mabini, Cebu City.

Joel Baclayon, City Agriculture Department (CAD) chief, said at least 205 mango trees were affected, with the total amount of damage pegged at P3.75 million.

Cebu has been experiencing scattered light to heavy rains since September 15 due to tropical storm “Leon” and a low pressure area.

Baclayon said CAD will check the extent of the damage and what help the city can give.

He said though damage to agricultural crops is expected during torrential rains.

With this, he encouraged the farmers to insure their crops.

“We are urging the farmers to apply for the government’s insurance for crops and avail of additional programs,” he said.

They may apply for an insurance for free at the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). The CAD will also facilitate them in the insurance program enrollment.

At present, 1,700 farmers in the city have availed of the government crop insurance.

Meanwhile, Mayor Edgar Labella has deployed personnel from Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to check and monitor areas vulnerable to landslide and flood.

Torrential rains brought by “Leon” evening on Tuesday triggered landslides in five barangays in the city.

No one was hurt in the landslides, but at least 29 families in Barangays Talamban, Kalunasan, Busay, Lahug, and Guadalupe were affected. — KQD (FREEMAN)