6.9 Cebu quake leaves P9.3-M agri damage

Local

WHEN the 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted northern Cebu on Sept, it did not just crack walls and roads—it rattled the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the sea.

According to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the province’s agriculture sector, particularly aquaculture, sustained around P9.3 million damage and losses, based on its initial assessment released on Oct. 13.

OPA data showed that both aquaculture and capture fisheries operations across several northern towns were affected, damaging fish cages, pens, boats, and post-harvest facilities that support local food production and trade.

In aquaculture, losses reached more than P2.24 million. Bogo City recorded two damaged fish cages valued at P700,000, while Bantayan, Madridejos, and San Remigio reported a combined P1.54 million in damage to fish pens and ponds.

In capture fisheries, the quake destroyed 46 fish aggregating devices (FADs) in Catmon and Borbon, resulting in P885,000 in losses.

Partial damage to 10 fishing boats in Tabuelan, Catmon, Talisay, and Santa Fe added another P175,000 to the total.

The OPA also reported P6 million in total damage to the Cebu Fish Landing Centers in Tabogon and San Remigio.

A corn post-harvest facility in Caputatan Sur, Medellin, was also damaged, though the cost is still being determined.

In an interview on Monday, Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said the earthquake’s impact was mostly felt in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, while crop production remained largely unaffected.

He explained that many farmers had already completed their harvest before the tremor struck, which helped reduce agricultural losses.

The quake occurred just as the corn harvesting period, which typically from late September to October, was ending, following the June planting season.

Saragena said this timing helped shield many farmers from heavier losses.

While agricultural damage was limited, the blow to the fisheries sector remains significant for many coastal communities.

OPA records showed that 31,204 registered fisherfolk and 8,522 registered boats operate across the northern towns of Bantayan, Bogo, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Sogod, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.

He said these are areas heavily dependent on small-scale aquaculture and municipal fishing.

The OPA is working with local agricultural offices to consolidate reports and finalize the list of affected fisherfolk eligible for assistance.

Among the planned interventions are the distribution of fish cages, bangus (milkfish) fingerlings, feeds for one production cycle, and fish attracting devices to help fisherfolk restart operations.

Saragena said the provincial government will acquire materials and supplies through emergency procurement to ensure faster delivery and avoid long delays under standard procedures.

He added that restoring fishing operations remains a top priority, especially in areas where aquaculture structures and fish landing centers were destroyed or rendered unusable.

The OPA emphasized that current figures are only preliminary, as validation and documentation are still ongoing in coordination with affected local government units to refine the total cost of damage and losses.(MyTVCebu)