ILOILO — More than 190,000 farmers and fisherfolk across Western Visayas received a combined P744 million in insurance indemnities in 2025, underscoring a major government effort to shield the agriculture sector from mounting risks.
Data from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Region 6 showed that 190,869 claims were processed and paid this year, providing financial relief to agricultural workers affected by losses and disruptions.
Iloilo province accounted for the biggest share with 72,197 beneficiaries receiving P312 million, followed by Capiz with 45,696 claimants totaling P166 million. Negros Occidental recorded 33,721 beneficiaries with P124 million in payouts, while Antique had 12,810 recipients amounting to P58 million.
In Aklan, 19,552 farmers and fisherfolk received P54 million, while Guimaras logged 6,893 beneficiaries with P30 million in claims.
Eva Ulie Laud, PCIC-6 regional manager, stressed that expanding access to insurance remains a priority to protect the region’s food producers.
“We are obligated to ensure that our farmers and fisherfolk can enjoy the benefits the agriculture sector provides. Registration in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) is crucial for accessing these services,” Laud said.
She noted that while most farmers and fisherfolk are already listed in the RSBSA, new entrants into the sector still need to be registered.
“We are working closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and local government units to ensure that new farmers can register and benefit fully,” she added.
The RSBSA is a centralized electronic database that consolidates information on farmers and fisherfolk, enabling them to access key government programs such as insurance, loans, seeds, and fertilizers.
To avail of the free crop insurance program, applicants must first register in the RSBSA masterlist through their local government units. They may then apply for insurance coverage and are encouraged to adopt recommended agricultural practices to maximize productivity.
PCIC-6 has also intensified its education and outreach efforts, conducting workshops and information drives to raise awareness about available insurance options.
Officials said these initiatives aim to give farmers and fisherfolk greater financial security, especially as climate change and market uncertainties continue to threaten agricultural production.
With expanded insurance coverage, PCIC-6 seeks to ensure that those at the forefront of food security can better withstand economic and environmental challenges./PN
