PCIC earmarks P187-M insurance payouts for farmers hit by Habagat, cyclones

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has allocated P187 million for payments to insured farmers affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng.

The payouts will cover losses recorded from August 1 to 26, 2026 across eight regions, with 24,987 farmers to benefit.

“We have issued strict instructions to our regional staff to continue extending their assistance to the affected farmers and speed up the processing of their damage claims," said PCIC president Jovy Bernabe in a statement.

The PCIC said rice farmers received the largest portion of insurance payouts, totaling ₱132.9 million. Meanwhile, high-value crop farmers received ₱42.1 million, while corn farmers claimed ₱9.3 million.

As of September 6, data from the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center showed that the damage to agriculture due to the weather disturbances has already topped P4.13 billion.

There were 97,589 farmers and fisherfolk with area affected 81,383 hectares, while production losses reached an estimated 100,602 metric tons.

Rice posted the biggest damage at P2.04 billion in losses.

Although losses were substantial, the damaged rice represents under 1% of the projected 20.3-million-metric-ton annual harvest, keeping the expected impact on national supply minimal.

“Unfortunately, much of the damaged rice was already about to be harvested,” said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. in a statement.

“And the damage also extends to high-value crops from the Cordillera Administrative Region, and fisheries, especially fish ponds in Bulacan and Pampanga.”

High-value crops suffered with P1.37 billion in losses. Among the affected crops are upland and lowland vegetables, spices, legumes, avocado, calamansi, citrus, durian, guyabano, honeydew, lanzones, mangosteen, melon, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, rambutan, strawberry, watermelon, banana, mango, root crops, commercial crops, and ornamental crops.

Corn also suffered P125.07 million in losses. Cassava production also sustained P30.94 million in losses.

Livestock, including chickens, fighting cock, swine, cattle, carabaos, goats, sheep, ducks, rabbits, horses, quails, and turkeys, suffered P32.57 million in losses.

Meanwhile, fisheries and aquatic resources sustained P412.84 million in losses. —RF, GMA News