PCA Region VIII distributed a total of ₱294,940.00 as initial support to 84 coconut farmers affected by typhoon Ursula in Biliran Province. The check distribution was done in January 8, 9, 13 and 15, in the respective municipalities of Cabucagay, Biliran, Naval, and Kawayan in Biliran. The coconut farmers are participants of PCA VIII’s 2017 and 2018 PCPP.

Group picture during the ceremonial distribution of PCPP incentives of coconut farmer’s participants in Biliran province on Jan. 13, 2020 at OPAS Conference room, Capitol compound together with RM Joel O. Pilapil, Dir. Teburcio Morales, PAFC Chair Bebito Matuguinas, PA Jaime G. Casas, OIC-PCDM Jaime M. Nuñez and CDO’s.

It was on the evening of December 24, 2019 when typhoon Ursula made landfall in the Eastern Visayas region, which affected a large portion of Leyte, Samar and Biliran provinces.

In Biliran province alone, eight coconut-producing municipalities were heavily devastated with an estimated damage of 9,112 coconut trees toppled down or decapitated and beyond recovery. The eight municipalities and corresponding damaged trees are: Almeria 1,200; Biliran 1,199; Cabucgayan 958; Caibiran 1,710; Culaba 640; Kawayan 1,481; Maripipi 908; and Naval 1,016 coconut trees. Although these municipalities are also growing rice in the lower portion except for Maripipi, coconuts are predominantly the main crop planted in the upland areas which serves as the main source of livelihood of the farmers. If the moderately and severely damaged trees are included, the total cost of damage is computed at ₱10,132,437.50.

PCA has been closely monitoring the affected areas through its provincial and regional offices, and has been coordinating with the Department of Agriculture in providing assistance to the coconut farmers.

PCA VIII RM Joel O. Pilapil delivering his message to the coconut farmers in Biliran province during the ceremonial distribution of PCPP incentives on January 13, 2020 at OPAS Conference room, Capitol compound.

Photos taken during the ceremonial distribution of PCPP incentives of Mun. of Biliran, Biliran participants (From left to right- CDO of Biliran, Joanne N. Corpin, OIC-PCDM Jaime M. Nuñez, PAFC Chair Bebito Matuguinas, 5 Farmer participants, RM Joel O. Pilapil and Dir. Teburcio Morales.

Photos taken during the ceremonial distribution of PCPP incentives of Mun. of Naval, Biliran participants (From left to right-OIC-PCDM Jaime M. Nuñez, PAFC Chair Bebito Matuguinas, PA Jaime G. Casas,  Dir. Teburcio Morales, RM Joel O. Pilapil and 5 Farmer participants.

Photos taken during the ceremonial distribution of PCPP incentives of Mun. of Naval, Biliran participants (From left to right-OIC-PCDM Jaime M. Nuñez, PAFC Chair Bebito Matuguinas, PA Jaime G. Casas,  Dir. Teburcio Morales, RM Joel O. Pilapil and 5 Farmer participants.

By: Jeson D. Sarsona
CDO/Agriculturist II
PCA-Biliran, Region VIII