DA: P104M insurance claims paid to farmers hit by storms, Habagat

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Saturday said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has paid P104.1 million in insurance claims to thousands of farmers and fisherfolk affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and recent tropical cyclones.

In a statement, the DA said the insurance payouts went to 10,596 farmers and fisherfolk in eight regions affected by successive weather disturbances from August 1 to September 13, including tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Pilandok, as well as the enhanced Habagat.

“We need to get these insurance payments to our farmers and fisherfolk as quickly as possible. They need the money to get back on their feet, recover from the damage and return to production. That recovery is important not only for their earnings but also for our country’s food security,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

MIMAROPA accounted for the largest regional payout at P41.097 million, covering 2,721 insured farmers and fisherfolk, followed by Central Luzon with P21.019 million for 1,435 beneficiaries.

CALABARZON recorded P9.893 million in insurance payments for 1,395 claimants.

Rice producers received the largest share, with P53.755 million paid to 4,972 beneficiaries.

Corn claims reached P23.933 million, covering 2,396 farmers, while livestock payouts totaled P15.737 million for 1,100 beneficiaries. High-value crops accounted for P8.635 million, covering 1,907 claimants.

Fisheries claims amounted to P1.193 million for 137 beneficiaries, while P853,000 was paid for non-crop agricultural assets covering 84 claimants.

“We need to assure PCIC clients that their insurance claims will be immediately settled. Insurance must provide support when farmers and fisherfolk need it most, so they can recover and return to productive activity without unnecessary delay,” PCIC president Jovy Bernabe said. —VBL, GMA News