In Calasiao, Pangasinan, rice farmers face huge losses as floodwaters continue to submerge their fields, with many fearing they will never recover their expenses for planting.

For Lita Caoili, the damage is already beyond repair.

“Almost two hectares, kulang-kulang 200 palay. Iyong kalahati lang, mahigit 80 kinukuha dati iyon, ngayon, talagang wala. Pero lahat naman panay financial, ginagamit ko lahat, inuupahan kong tao,” Caoili said.

Data from the Municipal Agriculture Office show that more than 40 hectares of rice fields in the town have been affected, with total damages estimated at over P2 million.

Farmers who availed of insurance under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) are expected to receive assistance.

“Sa ngayon po, inaantay po namin iyong response po ng PCIC sa mga nag-file po ng insurance claims of indemnity. May mga first batch na po tayo na nabigyan ng tseke. On going pa rin po iyong updating namin sa PCIC para po mabayaran din po iyong ibang farmers na nasalanta ng bagyo,” Lenette Bauzon, agricultural technician of the Calasiao Municipal Agriculture Office, said.

Although October marks the harvest season, farmers are urged to secure crop insurance to help cushion future losses from disasters.

Mayor Patrick Caramat assured that the local government continues to coordinate with farmers to find ways to support them.

“In our own little way, alam naman po natin ang pondo po ng bayan ng Calasiao ay napakaliit. Pero meron po tayong mga support to our farmers. Tayo po dito po sa ating opisina, patuloy po tayong nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga farmers down to the barangays. Inaalam po natin kung paano tayo makakatulong sa kanila,” Caramat said.

Despite the bleak harvest outlook, officials hope that insurance coverage and continued support will ease the burden of affected farmers.