By Lisa Marie Mesiona/AdDU Intern
IN ANTICIPATION of La Niña, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) extended a lifeline for farmers in Davao Region through seven insurance packages.
“The PCIC offers insurance plans for rice, corn, and high-value crops such as coconut and commercial trees,” Rey Lagdameo, PCIC XI chief of sales and marketing, shared during AgriBiz Media Forum on June 11.
“We even offer plans for livestock, fishery, and non-crops such as fishing equipment.”
Up to three hectares of land can be freely covered in rice, corn, and high-value crop insurance plans. Farmers must enroll at least 2,500 square meters of land to be accepted into the program.
For livestock plans, the capacity varies in the population of animals. A maximum of 10 heads can be covered for cattle, carabaos, and horses, 25 for goats, 20 for swine farmers, and 10 for swine breeders, with no minimum amount.
Farmers can claim P20,000 per hectare in the event of a calamity, provided that at least 11% of the land was damaged.
Rice and corn farmers must apply as early as land preparation, while high-value crop farmers may apply any time of the year.
“The timeframe of these insurance plans varies per crop,” Lagdameo said. “Rice, corn, and vegetables are insured per cropping cycle, while trees, livestock, and machineries last for a year.”
PCIC also offers a loan repayment plan for farmers and fisherfolk who have availed of loans from lending institutions. Under the insurance, the PCIC shall pay the principal amount of unpaid death and disability loans.
To avail of the free insurance services, agricultural workers must be registered in the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Workers may visit their local barangays for assistance.
On June 4, Pagasa weather bureau has announced that El Niño has ended and the country should prepare for wet days ahead.
