HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur – Coconut farmers experiencing crop damage due to calamities or diseases can avail of insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). This was announced during the information caravan funded by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13) on September 27, 2022 at the Amparitas Integrated Farm in Barangay Tagasaka.
During the open forum, the farmers learned that they can avail of PCIC’s Coconut Tree Mortality Insurance under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). Insurance is renewable every year and can cover up to one hectare of coconut area. The PCIC only noted that coconut farmers need to register first with the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) and had to report the damage within seven days in order to qualify for the insurance program.
It was also announced that aside from coconut, farmers can also insure their intercrops as well as their livestock and other farm improvements.
Fil Victor Babanto, OIC Training Center Superintendent II of ATI-RTC 13, mentioned that the signing of Republic Act No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) on February 16, 2021 paved the way for the formulation of a 50-year Coconut Farmers’ and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) that outlines the road towards modernization and industrialization of the coconut sector.
Joel Oclarit, Regional Manager III of PCA-Caraga, told the farmers about the importance of cooperatives and their advantages especially in availing of the many services and programs under CFIDP. He encouraged them to stay positive, to have patience and perseverance, and to organize themselves into cooperatives for their own benefit.
A total of 50 coconut farmers and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) attended the information caravan. They came from the second district of Surigao del Sur namely Bislig City, Barobo, Hinatuan, Lingig, and Tagbina.
Among the implementing agencies present were DA, PCA, ATI, DTI, CDA, PCIC, PhilMech, LBP, TESDA, and the City Agriculture Office of Bislig.
