Manila: Over 1,000 farmers from this Pangasinan municipality have been given free health insurance by the local government here, while the processing of the coverage intended for tricycle drivers is ongoing. Starting this year, this municipal government is providing free health insurance to farmers and tricycle drivers with motorized tricycle operators' permits.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Patrick Caramat emphasized the initiative as a demonstration of care not only for the agricultural and transport sectors but also for the families and livelihoods of these workers. Insured farmers and tricycle drivers can receive financial assistance if they fall ill or are involved in accidents.

Caramat mentioned the difficulties faced when dealing with illness, accidents, or hospitalization, highlighting the importance of the insurance in providing support during unexpected events. He noted the municipality's "insurance gap," which refers to the significant divide between the financial risks faced by vulnerable households and their actual insurance coverage, prompting the introduction of free insurance.

Beyond health insurance, the local government is actively supporting farmers and tricycle drivers. Approximately 3,000 palay (unhusked rice) and corn farmers have received over 3,000 bags of essential fertilizers to help secure staple crops through agricultural support programs.

Additionally, the municipality has partnered with gasoline stations to offer discounts to farmers and tricycle drivers in response to the recent surge in oil prices, Caramat added.