Canlaon: The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), is set to extend indemnity to a larger number of qualified farmers in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, whose crops and livestock suffered destruction due to Typhoon Tino last month.
According to Philippines News Agency, Edna Lhou Masicampo, the public information officer of Canlaon City, stated that national and local authorities are actively conducting site visits and compiling detailed reports to identify farmers who experienced losses from the typhoon's impact. The aim is to ensure that all affected farmers receive the necessary support.
In an initial effort, the DA and PCIC, working together with the city agriculture office, distributed indemnity checks amounting to PHP1.28 million to 96 rice farmers in Canlaon City. This initial distribution was based on early assessments of the damage caused by the typhoon.
Masicampo highlighted that an initial evaluation revealed approximately 238.60 hectares of rice lands were devastated, with 99.61 hectares rendered unsuitable for rice replanting due to being covered with boulders. She encouraged farmers without insurance to register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture to access government assistance.
City agriculture officer Andrea Canoy indicated that additional farmers would receive indemnity once the ongoing damage assessment and claims processing are finished. This commitment is crucial for the recovery and support of the local farming community.
Aside from agricultural damage, Typhoon Tino inflicted PHP216 million worth of damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, culverts, water lines, and schools. Masicampo noted that some roads and bridges remain impassable, underscoring the extensive impact of the typhoon on the city's infrastructure.
The typhoon, which struck on November 4, led to severe flooding in Canlaon City, resulting in 23 fatalities, two missing persons, the displacement of hundreds, and significant financial losses.
