Farmers reminded to always be ready

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office has warned farmers in upland barangays in the province against the effects of the cold season to their livestock.

The veterinary’s office urged farmers to put up temporary shelters for their livestock to protect them during cold season.

Doctor Louie Maestrado,  chief of PVO’s Animal Health Division, made the reminder after some areas in the province experienced the brunt of the cold spell at the start of the year, like what happened in the municipality of Balamban, saying that it should serve as a lesson.

The cold temperature brought by the northeast monsoon likely caused the death of 43 cows, 11 goats, two horses, and two carabaos in 11 barangays in the town, the Provincial Information Office reported on its official website.

The affected barangays in  Balamban  were  Vito,   Cabagdalan, Biasong, Singsing, Liki, Gaas, Sunog, Kabasyangan, Nangka, Hingatmonan, and Cansumoroy.

Damaged vegetables and killed livestock were also reported in barangays in Cebu City during the cold spell. These were in the barangays of Lusaran,   Adlaon,  Sirao,  Tagba-o,  Taptap, Bonbon, Guba, Cambinocot, Paril, Budlaan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Sudlon II, Sudlon I, Sinsin and Tabunan.

Balamban Municipal Agriculturist Felogyn “Boy” Sundo said that they have already prepared vitamins and electrolytes to boost the immune system of the animals should the cold weather hit the town again.

“Somebody is already assigned to check the insurance coverage of our farm animals,” he said during the quarterly meeting with livestock officers called at the Capitol last Wednesday.

PVO pointed out that cold weather can cause complications and lead to death especially if the animals already suffered skin diseases, infections, stress, and malnourishment.

Affected farmers who have expired insurance contract under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation  are also urged to renew their insurances to avail of the benefits.

The PCIC already partnered with  the  province in providing insurance to farmers and fishermen which covers high value commercial crops,  livestock, fisheries, non-crop agricultural assets, lives and limbs of the farmers and fisherfolks, among others. —Michael Vencynth H. Braga/ATO C