Some P451 million worth of insurance payments have been disbursed to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the recent typhoons, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Friday.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said in a media briefing that 49,000 registered beneficiaries have received indemnification payments. The cash disbursements will continue in the coming weeks.

De Mesa noted that initial assessment by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) showed payments would amount to at least P666.5 million.

Farmers and fishers who are not registered to receive insurance may avail themselves of free seedlings from the DA and still receive the quick-response fund, de Mesa said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. had directed the PCIC to immediately release the insurance payments. "We need to equip our farmers and fisherfolk with financial resources to help them quickly get back on their feet, to recover from this disaster brought about by climate change," he said.

The PCIC said it will extend its coverage and services to over 1.2 million local farmers and fishers this year, higher than the 744,000 last year. Latest data from the agency showed agricultural damage from six typhoons stood at P10.4 billion.

Earlier this week, the DA said it is considering the importation of key agricultural commodities such as vegetables and pelagic fish vis-à-vis the historically high damage caused by successive typhoons.

However, de Mesa said the agency will prioritize the option to source highland and lowland vegetables from other regions with adequate supply before resorting to importation. He explained the Philippines imports only a minimal volume of vegetables primarily for restaurants and not for public consumption.

Source - https://www.manilatimes.net