(Re)in Summary
- PCIC has allocated PHP187m (US$2.98m) for claims from 24,987 farmers affected by three tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
- Rice farmers account for the largest share of payouts at PHP132.9m, followed by high-value crops at PHP42.1m and corn at PHP9.3m.
- Total agricultural damage from the weather events reached PHP4.13bn as of 6 September, with rice losses alone estimated at PHP2.04bn.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) has allocated PHP187m (US$2.98m) for claims from nearly 25,000 farmers affected by three tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon, as agricultural losses from the weather events climbed to PHP4.13bn.
Rice farmers represented the largest share of claims, with PHP132.9m earmarked for payouts, according to PCIC president Jovy Bernabe. Claims involving high-value crops totalled PHP42.1m, while corn-related claims amounted to PHP9.3m.
The claims stem from flooding and other damage caused by tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, together with the enhanced southwest monsoon.
The Department of Agriculture estimated total agricultural damage from the weather disturbances at PHP4.13bn as of 6 September, affecting 97,589 farmers and fisherfolk and about 81,383 hectares. High-value crops sustained PHP1.37bn in losses, while fisheries and aquatic resources recorded PHP412.84m. Corn losses reached PHP125.07m.
The payouts cover insured losses recorded between 1 and 26 August across eight regions, mostly in Luzon, and are expected to benefit 24,987 farmers. Central Luzon accounted for the largest number of beneficiaries at 9,636, followed by the Ilocos Region with 3,874.
“We have issued strict instructions to our regional staff to continue extending their assistance to the affected farmers and speed up the processing of their damage claims,” Bernabe said.
Production losses were estimated at 100,602 metric tons, with rice suffering the largest financial impact at PHP2.04bn. About 73,307 hectares of rice fields were affected, resulting in estimated production losses of 65,106 metric tons.
Despite the damage, the affected rice volume represents less than 1% of the Philippines’ projected annual production of 20.3 million metric tons, limiting the expected impact on overall supply.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, however, that losses to vegetables and fisheries could contribute to localised price pressures.
The payouts come weeks after the Philippine House of Representatives approved legislation aimed at expanding the country’s crop insurance system, including through broader risk coverage, parametric products and increased private-sector participation.
