Pablo’s damage in Cebu at P21.6M

CEBU, Philippines -  The estimated cost of damage caused by the recent typhoon Pablo in Cebu Province reached P21.6 million, reported the provincial government yesterday.

This amount reportedly covers damage to agricultural and fishery products, including crops, vegetable production, livestock, fishing gears and equipments and marine protected areas buoys and sinkers.

The southern town of Dalaguete, also known as the province’s vegetable basket, was mostly affected with an estimated P14.7 million damage to corn, bananas, coconut, and vegetables, as well as on seaweeds production and marine structures in 28 barangays.

The neighboring town, Oslob, was also affected with an estimated P2.9 million damage to agricultural production in 21 barangays while damage on boats and gears in the adjacent town of Boljoon is pegged at P1.07 million.

Damage to bananas and mangoes in Moalboal town was estimated to cost P156,400 while damage to seaweeds production in Barangays Bolinawan and Ocaña was estimated to cost P50,000.

Damage in bananas, coconut, papaya and poultry production in Argao is pegged at P163,900.

The southernmost town of Santander has reported a P2.4 million estimated cost of damage in farm products, non-motorized boats, cattle and poultry production in 10 barangays.

In Ginatilan town, corn, bananas, livestock, goat and cattle in 14 barangays were also affected by the typhoon, but cost of damage is yet to be determined.

In the north, damage in Carmen town was estimated at P58,355 in mudcrab culture production.

Provincial Agriculturist, Dr. Necias Vicoy Jr. said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) still needs to assess and evaluate the report to enable farmers and fisher folk to claim payment for the damaged crops, livestock and equipment.

The provincial government has paid for the insurance premium of thousands of farmers and fisher folk. Crops, farm animals and fishing boats are also covered by the insurance.

For every motorized banca damaged, the owner will receive a P15,000 indemnity check and P5,000 for the non-motorized banca. 

PCIC insured farmers and fisher folk up to P50,000 and the money may be released in two weeks.  (FREEMAN)