A total of 384 farmers from the municipalities of Dao, Cuartero, and Dumarao received indemnity checks from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation during a distribution event held on May 19, at the Cuartero Civic Center.
The initiative forms part of the Calamity Crop Insurance Project, which aims to provide immediate financial relief to farmers affected by recent natural calamities, including destructive typhoons and floods.
Gov. Fredenil H. Castro emphasized the importance of the initiative, highlighting the provincial government’s continuing commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring that farmers are not left behind during difficult times.
Unlike traditional assistance programs, the project provides farmers with direct financial support to help them resume agricultural activities without incurring loans. Beneficiaries may use the funds to purchase farm inputs, replant crops, or repair damaged fishing boats, enabling faster recovery from calamity-related losses.
Funding for premium subsidies is sourced from the national government through the General Appropriations Act (GAA), allowing farmers to access crop insurance benefits without additional financial burden.
The event was attended by local officials, including mayors and vice mayors such as Hon. Stephen Openiano, Hon. Abner Falsis, and Hon. Gley Hachuela. Also present were PCIC officials led by Head Supervisor Melvin Vego, along with members of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist headed by Acting Provincial Agriculturist Raoul Perez, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the program.
Meanwhile, PCIC Region 6 officials expressed concern over unregistered farmers and fisherfolk in Western Visayas who may miss out on free crop insurance and other government assistance programs.
The agency has intensified its campaign for mandatory enrollment in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), warning that failure to register could leave vulnerable agricultural workers financially exposed during disasters.
Eva Ulie Laud, regional manager of PCIC-6, stressed the importance of registration.
“This is crucial not only for crop insurance but also for accessing various essential services provided to subsistence farmers. I urge all eligible individuals to register and take advantage of the full benefits offered by the agricultural sector,” Laud said.
Registration in the RSBSA is facilitated through the Department of Agriculture and local government units to ensure that support reaches qualified beneficiaries.
As climate change continues to threaten the agricultural sector, officials emphasized the need for stronger support systems and more effective risk management strategies for farmers and fisherfolk.
Source - https://www.panaynews.net
