Manila: The Marcos administration has released PHP19 billion worth of indemnification to help farmers and fishers recover from the effects of natural calamities in the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that the insurance program has covered food producers across various sectors over the past four years.

According to Philippines News Agency, the insurance serves as protection against losses due to incurred damage from untoward events. This includes indemnification issued to affected farmers from the crops, livestock, and fisheries sectors. Over the past four years, the sector has been assisted to recover losses in livelihood, amounting to PHP19 billion in indemnification.

The coverage extends to animals, fisheries, equipment, facilities, and agricultural vehicles. Additionally, there is life insurance available for farmers and fishers. Beyond indemnification, Marcos emphasized immediate aid to Filipino food producers to mitigate the impact of recent global fuel price surges due to the Middle East conflict.

Under the country's state of energy emergency, the government launched the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF). Support has been provided to nearly two million farmers and fishers during the peak of fuel price spikes through PAFF. Eligible farmers are entitled to PHP2,325 under PAFF, alongside a PHP150 million fuel subsidy distributed to registered farmers and fishers.

The government has also facilitated logistical support by offering discounted and waived fees. For instance, shipping costs for agricultural goods have been reduced to PHP1 from PHP500, and DA-accredited trucks enjoy free toll fees on expressways.

In addition to aiding farmers and fishers, the government has maintained efforts to make rice more affordable despite global oil price increases. The Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program has enabled 12 million Filipinos to access cheaper rice priced at PHP20 per kilogram. This initiative is supported by the expansion of Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites nationwide.

The Department of Agriculture reported sales of at least 121,271 metric tons of rice under the BBM Na program, generating PHP2.4 billion. Currently, there are over 800 KNP sites across the country.