Thousands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Iloilo are set to receive P7 million worth of fully subsidized crop and asset insurance as the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) in Western Visayas and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-6 formalized a partnership aimed at fortifying farmers against climate shocks, natural disasters, and market uncertainties.
The initiative, unveiled on March 2, 2026 during an orientation at The New Castle Hotel, positions insurance protection as a frontline defense for vulnerable farming communities increasingly exposed to typhoons, floods, drought and other climate-related disruptions that threaten both livelihoods and food security.
Jose Ma. B. Torres, chief of the PCIC Marketing and Sales Division, urged DAR Development Facilitators (DFs) to take the lead in mobilizing beneficiaries and ensuring swift enrollment.
“Together, we can create a robust network of support that safeguards our ARB-farmers from the financial repercussions of crop failures and environmental calamities. This initiative is pivotal for building enduring resilience in our farming communities,” Torres stated.
During the orientation, Melvin Vego, Insurance Underwriter II at PCIC, outlined the broad insurance coverage available under the program. The fully subsidized package covers rice, corn, livestock, fisheries, high-value crops and non-crop agricultural assets.
The program also includes credit life term insurance, extending protection beyond crops to safeguard farmers’ financial obligations in case of unforeseen events.
To fast-track implementation, Torres assured participants that PCIC personnel are ready to conduct on-the-spot field registrations and community-based orientations to ease the enrollment process and remove access barriers.
The program hinges on the active participation of DAR Development Facilitators, who will organize and mobilize ARBs in their respective municipalities to ensure that the P7 million subsidy is maximized and that no qualified beneficiary is left behind.
The insurance rollout supports DAR’s broader objective of significantly expanding insurance coverage among farmers under its jurisdiction, providing a safety net at no cost to beneficiaries.
As organizers wrapped up the session, they challenged DFs to prioritize insurance facilitation in their areas of assignment.
“This is a momentous opportunity to shield our agricultural community from the unpredictable impacts of natural calamities and unstable market conditions,” they emphasized.
With implementation underway, the joint PCIC-DAR initiative is expected to strengthen Iloilo’s agricultural resilience by reducing farmers’ financial exposure to disasters — a move seen as crucial in sustaining production and securing the province’s food supply amid growing climate risks.
Officials expressed optimism that the Iloilo model could serve as a blueprint for wider adoption nationwide, reinforcing long-term sustainability in the country’s agricultural sector.
Source - https://www.panaynews.net
