INSURED. A farmer from Batac, Ilocos Norte signs his name as proof that he has received his indemnity check from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) on Wednesday (March 30, 2022). The PCIC is encouraging all farmers to avail themselves of the services of the PCIC for the protection of their livelihood. (Photo courtesy of the City Government of Batac)
LAOAG CITY – At least 357 farmers in Batac City received their indemnity checks on Wednesday courtesy of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
In a distribution program at the Department of Agriculture sub-station in Barangay Tabug, Batac City Mayor Albert Chua reminded farmers to insure their crops to minimize their losses during a calamity.
The Ilocos Norte government and other local government units here have partnered with the PCIC to provide free insurance coverage to almost 3,000 farmers whose farmlands are prone to flooding and drought, among others.
“The insurance program to our farmers and fishers is a big help to them because it guarantees a return on their investment so they can start over again, said Engr. Ma. Teresa Bacnat, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office.
Bacnat said the insurance program covers farmers’ crops damaged by diseases, pest infestation, and natural calamities, such as typhoons, floods, drought, tornados, and earthquakes.
The PCIC appealed to the farmers to continue availing of the services of the agency for their own benefit.
For their part, the farmer-recipients said they were thankful for the help from the PCIC and the local government of Batac.
"The amount received by each farmer was determined based on the area of the land they are tilling and the stage of the crop when affected by typhoon Maring last year,” said Chua in an interview after the distribution.
The farmers' claims were facilitated by the Office of the City Agriculturist. (PNA)
