Out of 1,741 farmlands in Goa, Camarines Sur, approximately 522 hectares have been affected by the rice tungro disease and vermins, affecting 516 farmers, according to the Municipal Agriculture’s Office.

With the harvest season underway, farmers face losses due to the pest attacks.

“Nabawasan po talaga, habang nagdadakula naman po su tarok, kino naman po ang nag-atake,” Edna Dañes, a farmer, said.

Aside from vermin, other insects also ravaged their crops.

Some farmers affected by the situation have begun submitting indemnity claims to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). 

“Ang ano lang po samo [mai-provide] is technical. If ever may nag-complain lang po ning farmer tatawanan mi lang po siya nin tips kung pano po siya maco-control pero normally aram na din talaga siya kang farmer kung papano siya ico-control,” Arlene Dayo, Senior Agriculturist of MAO Goa, said.

However, about 30 percent of farms affected have yet to register with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Farmers are urged to register their crops with the RSBSA to qualify for indemnity claims from PCIC.