Manila: The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) announced on Friday its preparation to disburse PHP36 million in insurance payouts to 5,005 farmers whose lands suffered damage due to tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, along with the southwest monsoon (habagat), between August 1 and 11.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCIC President Jovy Bernabe reported to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. that the state crop insurer has activated its regional offices to validate damage claims and expedite the processing of these claims. Initial assessments indicate insured damages totaling PHP35.67 million over six regions. Central Luzon experienced the most significant impact with 1,836 affected farmers, followed by the Ilocos Region with 1,218, and Mimaropa with 836.
The Ilocos Region noted the largest estimated insured damage at PHP9.89 million, succeeded by Central Luzon at PHP8.80 million, and Mimaropa at PHP7.56 million. Additional reports show that Calabarzon recorded PHP5.04 million in estimated damages, Cagayan Valley reported PHP3.47 million, and Western Visayas reported PHP0.92 million.
The breakdown of losses reveals that rice accounted for the majority at PHP25.60 million, while corn damage was estimated at PHP3.55 million, and high-value crops at PHP3.73 million.
Tiu Laurel emphasized the necessity for swift government aid to farmers and fisherfolk after natural disasters to prevent temporary setbacks from evolving into long-term livelihood disruptions. 'We need to respond immediately to the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk after every calamity so they can recover quickly and sustain their livelihoods,' Tiu Laurel stated. He highlighted that timely assistance is particularly crucial for farmers reliant on each production cycle for income and future crop financing.
Meanwhile, Bernabe shared that the PCIC is enhancing its efforts to support affected farmers swiftly, utilizing new technologies to speed up damage assessments. 'We are stepping up our efforts to assess damage, process claims, and deliver insurance assistance faster so our farmers can get back on their feet and return to production,' Bernabe said. PCIC has instructed its regional offices to continue aiding affected farmers and hasten the processing of legitimate claims.
Although the initial figures may change as field validation progresses, they highlight the critical role of crop insurance in providing financial protection when extreme weather disrupts farm operations. Bernabe reminded farmers and fisherfolk registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture that they could avail themselves of premium-free crop insurance from the PCIC, provided they enroll with the insurer each planting season or when raising new livestock. He also noted that farm equipment and other agricultural assets might be covered by insurance.
