The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has set aside ₱187 million in insurance claims for farmers whose crops were damaged by flooding and other impacts of three tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat.
According to a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the insurance coverage applies to agricultural losses recorded from August 1 to 26 across eight regions, mostly in Luzon. A total of 24,987 farmers are expected to benefit from the claims.
Central Luzon recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 9,636 farmers, followed by the Ilocos Region with 3,874 beneficiaries.
PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said the total claims consist of ₱132.9 million for rice, ₱9.3 million for corn, and ₱42.1 million for high-value crops.
Bernabe has directed PCIC regional personnel to expedite the processing of insurance claims and assist affected farmers in accessing the financial support.
Meanwhile, the latest DA records show that damage to the agriculture sector has reached ₱4.13 billion, affecting 97,589 farmers and fisherfolk amid the successive weather disturbances and enhanced southwest monsoon.
The release of the insurance claims is expected to help affected agricultural workers recover from crop losses and resume their livelihood following the disasters.
