ILOILO City — More than 60 fisherfolk in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental have already received over P1 million in insurance indemnity payments for losses caused by natural calamities, prompting the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to intensify efforts to bring thousands more fishing communities under its Fishing Boat Insurance Program.
PCIC Region 6 said a total of 61 fisherfolk have so far received P1.063 million in indemnity payments, providing crucial financial assistance to help them recover from damages and losses brought about by typhoons, floods, and other natural disasters.
The payouts came as the agency renewed its call on coastal municipalities and cities across Western Visayas and Negros Occidental to actively assist fisherfolk in enrolling in the Fishing Boat Insurance Program under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
According to PCIC-6, 8,295 fisherfolk had already secured fishing boat insurance coverage as of May 31, 2026, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of insurance protection among coastal communities.
Of the total insured fisherfolk, Iloilo recorded the highest number with 3,138 enrollees, followed by Antique with 2,295, Negros Occidental with 1,600, Capiz with 642, Guimaras with 322, and Aklan with 298.
The agency said the program serves as a vital safety net for fisherfolk whose livelihoods are highly vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters and extreme weather events.
“These financial compensations are specifically aimed at addressing damages and losses incurred due to natural calamities.”
PCIC-6 stressed that timely financial assistance enables affected fisherfolk and their families to recover more quickly and resume their livelihood activities after disasters strike.
“The timely support offered by the Fishing Boat Insurance Program not only aids individual families in recovering but also plays a vital role in the broader economic recovery of coastal communities following disasters,” it stressed in a statement.
The agency added that insurance indemnities provide much-needed resources for fisherfolk seeking to repair or replace damaged boats and equipment, helping ensure the continuity of fishing operations and household income.
“The importance of these indemnity payments cannot be overstated; they serve as a lifeline for fisherfolk striving to restore their livelihoods after facing devastating impacts from typhoons, floods, and other natural events,” it said.
PCIC-6 said it remains committed to expanding awareness of the program and urged local government units to help disseminate information on enrollment procedures and insurance benefits.
“The Fishing Boat Insurance Program represents an essential protective measure for fisherfolk in Western Visayas, offering critical support in the face of an unpredictable environment,” PCIC-6 said./PN
