Cold weather damage now P28M

CEBU, Philippines - The cold weather phenomenon that pervaded Cebu the past weeks have already caused around P28 million in damage to crops and livestock to two cities and a town.

The Cebu City Agriculture Office has reported that upland barangays have lost P22 million worth of crops and farm animals; Danao City has reported P3 million; Balamban town, P2.9 million.

Acting Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Sarajena said Toledo City was also affected but has yet to give an official report to the Provincial Government.

Based on an initial assessment dated Jan. 23 by Danao City Agriculturist Mario Gorre, Barangays Sacsac, Lawaan and Dungga suffered damage to crops (tomato, bell pepper, baguio beans, lettuce, eggplant, etcetera) planted in 92 hectares of land.

In Balamban, Municipal Agriculturist Felojyn Sundo estimated that P2.9 million worth of vegetables and livestock has been affected, especially the cucumber, tomato, pepper, ampalaya and other leafy vegetables planted in 93 hectares.  The amount includes, P995,000 worth of livestock , particularly 43 cattle, two carabaos, two horses, and 11 goats in the city's 11 barangays.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Agriculture Department reported that the cold weather phenomenon has damaged vegetables and killed livestock worth around P22,243,500 in Barangays Lusaran, Adlaon, Sirao, Tagba-o, Taptap, Bonbon, Guba, Cambinocot, Paril, Budlaan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin and Tabunan. 

Sarajena said Cebu City still recorded the "biggest damage", which he blamed on the low pressure area that brought the prevailing cold weather experience for several weeks already.

He said they have already distributed assorted vegetable seeds and organic fertilizers to affected areas to help the farmers recover.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) sent personnel to Balamban to ascertain if the death of livestock there is not caused by an outbreak of animal disease. Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy (PVO) chief, said blood samples of dead animals were taken to confirm the cause of death.

She, however, did not discount that severe cold due may have really killed the animals to the fact that the affected barangays are several meters above sea level, where temperature is normally colder even during ordinary days.

She advised owners to wrap the animals with cloth or house them in closed shelters.

Capitol Spokesperson Ethel Natera said the Provincial Government has already recommended to the affected local government units to construct sheds for the animals "not only for the cold spell but also for hot weather conditions and typhoons." /RHM (FREEMAN)