In the mountain barangays of Cebu City, farmers woke up to devastation after Typhoon Tino’s floodwaters swept away their crops and livestock, causing nearly P47 million in agricultural losses.
The City Agriculture Department (CAD) said the storm ravaged around 998 hectares of farmland in Sudlon II, Lusaran, Paril, Cambinocot, Guba, and Buot, wiping out sweet corn, vegetables, and banana crops that serve as the main source of livelihood for about 4,000 farmers.
CAD head Joey Baclayon said the storm not only destroyed crops but also damaged irrigation systems.
Many hoses connecting water sources to farms were washed away, prompting the city to prioritize restoring water supply and irrigation. About 200 farm animals, mostly pigs and some cows and goats, were also lost in the floods.
The city government plans to provide financial aid ranging from P5,000 to P10,000 per farmer based on the extent of their losses.
CAD will also distribute vegetable seeds, drums, and planting materials to help farmers resume operations, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation will expedite claims for insured crops and livestock.
Nationwide, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that Typhoon Tino has claimed 232 lives, with at least 150 deaths in Cebu.
A total of 112 people remain missing, while more than 4.1 million residents across eight regions have been affected.
Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
