WITH the El Niño phenomenon expected to affect the health of livestock, farmers are encouraged to avail of the Provincial Capitol's livestock insurance program.
The insurance program is in coordination with the Philippine Insurance Corp.
Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy urged farmers to register and enroll their livestock as the unusually hot temperature may cause the death of several domestic animals.
Animals are more prone to experience respiratory problems, skin infections and heat stroke during summer.
“Pananglitan naay mga (farmers) affected (livestock) sa El Niño, mohatag ta nila og support in terms of feeds, vitamins and minerals para lang dili sila ma-stress og maayo ang mga hayop. Mag-conduct pud ta og awareness seminar para sa mga farmers, sa mga lungsod nga naapektohan og El Niño,” Vincoy said.
The indemnity for livestock is between P30,000 to P50,000 depending on the commodity.
To enroll in the insurance program, farmers may visit their local town agriculture office and lifestyle coordinator.
Vincoy, though, stressed that her office will have to thoroughly screen to find out the cause of the livestock's death.
For now, Vincoy advised farmers to make sure their livestock are kept in a proper place given the erratic weather changes.
She also urged farmers to report immediately to their local agriculture office any sick animals to avoid complications.
The Provincial Agriculture Office has a budget of P10 million for operations and logistics for 2019.
Although they have medicines and vaccines readily available, Vincoy said their main priority is to boost the immune system of livestock.
Last month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared that a “weak El Niño” has started in different parts of the country, causing less rain and more heat in the coming months.
At least 21 barangays in the northern town of Carmen have already been affected by a decreasing supply of water due to the intense heat brought about by El Niño.