Cebu City Agriculturist hopes to discuss issues with Alcover

CEBU, Philippines — For the sake of the farmers, Cebu City agriculturist Joey Baclayon hopes to make peace with City Councilor Jun Alcover, who has asked him to resign from his position.

Baclayon admitted that he got hurt with Alcover’s allegations that he has not attended to the needs of the farmers, but said he remains open to talk with the councilor.

“Kauban ta. Unsa ma’y imung tumong pagtabang sa mga mag-uuma, pareha ra ta. Nganong dili man ta mag-istorya? Let’s sit down,” said Baclayon through the City’s Sugboanon channel.

Baclayon also apologized to the farmers to whom Alcover said asked for his help and wants to meet them so they will be able to discuss their concerns.

“Ako gyu’ng gi-admit nga wala ta’y control kung ing-ani ka-grabe ang El Niño karun. Ang atong gihatag karun is not somehow enough. Mangayo ko’g sorry kay dili sad nato mahatag ang tanan. Palihug og isuwat para maklaro. Kung naa’y picture mas maayo,” Baclayon added.

Baclayon said only a few farmers have approached CAD with regards to crop damage despite the dry spell.

CAD reported that 786 out of the 10,976 registered farmers in the city have crops partially affected by El Niño since January this year.

Even with this situation, Baclayon said the dry spell has not yet affected the city’s food supply as more farmers have started to diversify their agricultural products after CAD trained them.

CAD had also assisted farmers to get insurances from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) for their crops and livestock.

“Kung naa man gani mamatay nga tanom o hayop, dili sad mabalaka atong mga member farmers kay insured man sad ilang mga crops ug livestock through PCIC,” Baclayon said.

CAD also sought the assistance of other government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration to help the farmers.

CAD also assisted Mayor Mike Rama in its “Simhot sa Barangay” at the city’s 28 mountain barangays to distribute food assistance to farmers since early this week.

Baclayon said they prioritized the 786 farmers whose crops were partially affected by the dry spell but Mayor Rama said there will be more assistance to come for the other farmers soon.

Earlier, Mayor Rama also told Baclayon to answer Alcover’s allegation at the same time talk to each other and settle this matter. — (FREEMAN)