Backyard livestock raisers in Western Visayas are being urged to register for the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s (PCIC) free Livestock Mortality Insurance program, which provides government-subsidized financial protection against losses caused by disease and other unforeseen incidents.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation in Western Visayas said the program offers free insurance coverage for qualified farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), helping cushion the financial impact of livestock deaths and safeguard agricultural livelihoods.

Regional Manager Eva Ulie Laud emphasized the importance of the program in protecting the investments of backyard livestock raisers.
“This free insurance coverage is designed to provide significant financial support to farmers facing the challenging circumstances of livestock mortality due to various diseases and other unforeseen incidents.”

The program covers up to 10 head each of cattle, carabaos and horses with insurance of up to P20,000 per animal; up to 25 goats and sheep, with coverage of up to P4,000 for native breeds and P6,000 for hybrids; poultry with coverage ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 per head depending on type and breed; and swine, with fatteners insured up to P10,000 each and breeders up to P14,500 each.

Laud advised livestock raisers to coordinate with their local government units or PCIC personnel to apply for insurance and stressed the need to maintain strict biosecurity measures, particularly against African Swine Fever (ASF).

Farmers whose insured livestock die may file a Notice of Loss with PCIC within seven days. Claims must be supported by a loss report, veterinary report, sworn statement, photographs and official livestock certificates.

Laud also reminded farmers that animals already dead before application are not covered and that newly acquired livestock, particularly piglets, must be registered to remain eligible for future claims.

Under the General Appropriations Act, insurance premiums for qualified RSBSA-registered farmers are fully subsidized by the national government.

Laud encouraged all backyard livestock raisers to register promptly and take advantage of the free insurance program, saying PCIC and the Department of Agriculture remain committed to helping farmers protect their investments and sustain their livelihoods.

Source - https://www.panaynews.net