CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — The Cebu Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) has urged farmers to protect their crops and immediately report any damage following the ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano that affected parts of Cebu.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said qualified farmers may avail of the Capitol’s free crop insurance program, with the provincial government covering the insurance premiums.
He added that compensation will depend on the extent of the damage and the insurer’s assessment. Rice farmers may receive up to ₱25,000 per hectare, while owners of insured mango trees may receive up to ₱5,000 per tree.
Farmers in affected areas were advised to report crop damage to their respective municipal or city agriculture offices, or directly to the Provincial Agriculture Office, to allow appraisers to assess losses and process insurance claims.
Saragena also encouraged farmers who have not yet enrolled in the insurance program to apply through their local agriculture offices, assuring them that the provincial government will continue paying the insurance premiums to help safeguard their livelihoods from disasters.
The PAO said Cebu has rarely experienced ashfall severe enough to affect agricultural areas and will continue to closely monitor its impact on farms across the province. — Psalm Perez, Contributor