CAPIZ — In a bid to protect farmers from the adverse effects of climate change and other agricultural risks, the Provincial Government of Capiz has partnered with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Region 6 (PCIC-6) to implement a Calamity Crop Insurance Project for local rice and corn farmers.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Province of Capiz, represented by Governor Fredenil H. Castro, and PCIC-6 at the Capiz Provincial Capitol.
Under the agreement, the provincial government will allocate P3 million annually from 2026 to 2028 to shoulder insurance premiums, allowing qualified rice and corn farmers in the province to avail themselves of free crop, credit, and life term insurance coverage.
Governor Castro described the initiative as a significant step in safeguarding the welfare and livelihood of Capiznon farmers against climate-related and financial challenges.
“There is a fund of three million pesos allocated to pay for your insurance so that in case you suffer damages, your insurance is there,” Castro said.
“When typhoons strike or pest infestations occur, farmers can have peace of mind knowing they are insured and that the provincial government truly cares for them,” he added.
As part of the event, PCIC distributed indemnity checks amounting to P339,622.76 to 115 insured farmers from Panay and Roxas City under the Calamity Crop Insurance Program.
The payout formed part of the P900,561.60 total indemnity claims released to 527 farmers from the municipalities of Cuartero, Dao, Dumarao, and Panay, as well as Roxas City, over a two-day distribution activity.
PCIC-6 Regional Manager II Eva Ulie Laud said that of the 3,853 insured farmers in Capiz, 2,031 have already received financial assistance totaling P6.54 million following losses caused by typhoons, pest infestations, and drought.
“This is a collaboration between the PCIC and the local government unit. This is not just financial assistance because the farmers also contributed through their hard work, diligence, and proper farming practices. The government, PCIC, and Gov. Castro are here to help,” Laud said.
Also present during the launch were Panay Mayor Jonathan Besa, Acting Provincial Agriculturist Raoul Perez, and PCIC RO-6 MSD Chief Jose Ma. Torres Jr., underscoring the unified effort of government agencies in supporting and protecting the province’s agricultural sector.
The initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of Capiz farmers by providing them with a reliable financial safety net amid growing climate and agricultural uncertainties./PN
