Farmers affected by landslide, flooding get aid

A total of 12 hectares of rice fields were washed out by the flooding in Calinan District where 24 rice farmers reported considerable yield losses.

Thirty-nine corn farmers in Marilog, Buhangin, and Tugbok reported that a total of 18.45 hectares of farmland were damaged due to landslides and heavy rainfall. 

Meanwhile, a total of 136 farmers saw 20 hectares of their high value crops, including vegetables and fruits, were destroyed in Marilog, Tugbok, Buhangin, Bunawan, and Paquibato. A cassava farmer in Tugbok District was also affected. 

Based on CAgrO’s initial assessment, the damage to agriculture was placed at P3,758,132.48.

Although these damages pose no real threat to the city’s food security, CAgrO head Edgardo Haspe said the damaged rice fields in Calinan will negatively affect the city’s rice production. 

Haspe said teams were sent to these areas to assist farmers in recovering their losses.

“We will extend support as immediate as we can to restore their livelihood,” Haspe said in a report from the City Information Office. 

Aside from the city’s assistance, rice farmers who are enrolled in the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), are also eligible for indemnity insurance of P20,000 per hectare of destroyed rice fields. 

“We have coordinated with the PCIC so they can be immediately provided with indemnity,’ Haspe said.

Affected corn farmers and producers of high value crops will also receive assistance through farming supplies such as seeds, seedlings, plantlets, and fertilizers. However, Haspe clarified that those affected by the landslides will not be given planting materials because of the unstable land.

“We must wait for the ground to stabilize, or if they have other areas that can be farmed, that's the time we will give them seedlings. But we will recommend that those areas that were hit by landslides should be planted with fruit trees,” he said. 

Aside from immediate livelihood assistance, the CAgrO will also submit its report to the City Social Welfare and Development Office and recommend the distribution of cash assistance to affected farmers. 

The CAgrO is also proactively expanding its nurseries and greenhouses to ensure enough supply of seeds and other planting materials to farmers.

Farmers are urged to avail themselves of all services and assistance the office has for them. 

CAgrO also has offices in the districts of Marilog, Paquibato, and Calinan which are ready to provide technical assistance and and other support services.