Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said initial assessments made by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. on damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine indicated that indemnification payments would amount to at least P666.5 million.

In his report to Secretary Tiu Laurel, PCIC President JB Jovy Bernabe noted that the rapid assessment of PCIC-insured farms affected by Kristine from October 22 to 25 revealed that a total of 86,066 farmers across 10 regions of the country were impacted, with more than half coming from Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Mimaropa (Region 4B).

Bernabe said the damage was primarily in rice, high-value crops, and fisheries. Expected insurance payments were estimated at P413.6 million for rice, P167.9 million for high-value crops, and P27.7 million for fisheries.

“We have set aside an initial amount of P667 million for insurance payments to around 86,066 farmers,” Bernabe stated.

Secretary Tiu Laurel urged the PCIC to expedite the processing of insurance claims and to provide all possible assistance to help farmers quickly recover from the disaster.

Additionally, the DA chief instructed the PCIC to prepare for potential damage that might be inflicted on the agriculture sector by Super Typhoon Leon. Although the weather bureau PAGASA projects that Leon will not make landfall in any part of the country, the super typhoon has gale-force winds extending over 600 kilometers from its center and could generate storm surges of up to 12 meters high, which may cause significant damage to the farming and fishery sectors.

“The pace of recovery for agriculture after a disaster like this will be determined by how quickly the government can provide inputs and financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk. That is why I have ordered all agencies of the Department of Agriculture, including attached corporations such as the NFA (National Food Authority) and PCIC, to conduct quick needs assessments so that help can be provided immediately,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. ###