February 16, 2024
In the heart of Iloilo City, amidst a challenging period marked by a severe drought that has gripped the region in 2023, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) stands as a beacon of support for the agricultural community. Demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding farmers against the unpredictability of nature, PCIC has proactively disbursed PHP23 million in indemnity claims, offering a crucial financial lifeline to those impacted.
As the drought’s effects reverberated through Western Visayas, PCIC Western Visayas Regional Manager Eva Laud outlined the scale of the response, noting that as of January 2024, the organization received an overwhelming 12,800 notices of loss, with the estimated value of claims reaching PHP76 million. This figure underscores the significant toll that adverse weather conditions have taken on the agricultural sector, highlighting the essential role of crop insurance in mitigating financial hardship for farmers.
With 130,000 farmers insured for the second cropping season, the volume of claims filed—amounting to 12,800—reflects the widespread impact of the drought. The geographical spread of these claims encompasses 3,000 farmers each from Aklan, Guimaras, and Iloilo; 2,000 from Antique; 1,000 from Capiz; and 800 from Negros Occidental. This distribution paints a vivid picture of the drought’s reach, affecting vast swathes of the region’s agricultural heartlands.
Laud emphasized the importance of timely reporting by the farmers, stating, “Our requirement is 20 days before harvest, they should inform the PCIC that their crops are damaged by drought.” This protocol ensures that claims are processed efficiently, enabling the PCIC to extend support when it is most needed.
The second cropping, which commenced around September or October of the previous year, was undertaken amid forecasts predicting drought conditions. Despite occasional rains providing temporary relief, the full brunt of the El Niño phenomenon became palpably evident in the first quarter of 2024, a critical period for many farmers poised to harvest their crops.
In light of these challenges, Laud has issued a call to action for farmers grappling with the drought’s consequences, urging them to report their impending losses 20 days before harvest. This advance notice allows claims adjusters to conduct thorough validations, ensuring that proper indemnification is provided to those affected.
The proactive measures taken by the PCIC in disbursing over PHP23 million in claims not only illustrate the organization’s responsiveness but also highlight the vital importance of crop insurance as a safety net for the agricultural community. It’s a testament to the resilience and perseverance of farmers who face the caprices of weather and climate, underscoring the collective effort required to navigate through periods of crisis.
As the PCIC continues to process and pay out claims, its actions serve as a reminder of the broader societal responsibility to support those who toil the land to feed the nation. The plight of Western Visayas’ farmers amidst the drought of 2023 and into 2024 calls for ongoing attention, support, and preparedness to address the challenges posed by climate variability. It is through such concerted efforts that the agricultural sector can hope to withstand, recover, and thrive in the face of adversity.
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