THE Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) is preparing P36 million in insurance payouts to 5,005 farmers whose crops were damaged by typhoons Luis and Maymay, and the southwest monsoon from Aug. 1 to 11, the Department of Agriculture said on Friday.
The PCIC has directed its regional offices to assist affected farmers and expedite the processing of valid claims. Damage estimates may still change as field validation continues.
Initial estimates placed insured losses at P35.67 million across six regions, led by Ilocos with P9.89 million. Central Luzon followed with P8.80 million; Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), P7.56 million; and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), P5.04 million.
Cagayan Valley and Western Visayas had estimated losses of P3.47 million and P920,000, respectively.
Central Luzon had the most affected farmers at 1,836; followed by the Ilocos, 1,218; and Mimaropa, 836.
Rice accounted for the bulk of losses at P25.60 million, while damage to corn and high-value crops was estimated at P3.55 million and P3.73 million, respectively.
“We need to respond immediately to the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk after every calamity so they can recover quickly and sustain their livelihoods,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said the agency is speeding up damage assessments and claims processing, including through the use of new technologies.
Farmers and fisherfolk listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture may avail themselves of premium-free PCIC insurance, provided they enroll every planting season or when raising new livestock. Farm equipment and other agricultural assets may also be insured.