By Nycel Jane Dela
Insured rice and corn farmers in Capiz stand to benefit from a P3-million indemnity fund released by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) under the Provincial Calamity Crop Insurance Project (PCCIP).
The indemnity check was formally received by Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro during a July 10 turnover ceremony.
The assistance will help farmers to recover and continue planting this season after their crops were damaged by natural calamities, pest infestation, and other production losses.
The turnover was attended by PCIC regional officials including Regional Manager Eva Ulie Laud, Marketing and Sales Division Chief Jose Ma. Torres Jr.
Also present was Provincial Agriculturist Raoul Perez, who helped facilitate the implementation of the insurance program.
PCIC officials also acknowledged the support of Hutch Altavas, a Capiznon and chief of staff of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. They appealed to Altavas to personally assess the situation of Capiz farmers and help convey their concerns and priority needs to the national government.
The turnover of the indemnity check capped a week of intensified engagements between the provincial government and farming communities. Beginning June 9, Governor Castro launched a series of consultations with farmers and fisherfolk throughout Capiz to directly hear their concerns and identify the assistance needed.
The consultations culminated in meetings held on July 9 and 10, gathering more than 4,000 farmers and fisherfolk from municipalities across both congressional districts, including Pilar, President Roxas, Pontevedra, Panitan, Panay, Cuartero, Dumalag, Dumarao, Sigma, Jamindan, Sapian, Ivisan, Mambusao, Maayon, and Roxas City. (Photo courtesy of Capiz PIO)
