Capitol to shoulder insurance for fishermen, farmers

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board has approved the ordinance that would allow the provincial government to fully shoulder the insurance for farmers and fishermen in the province.

Capitol used to shoulder only 90 percent of the Agri-Fishery Insurance program while the local government unit where the beneficiary is a resident shoulders the remaining 10 percent. With the ordinance, Capitol will now shoulder the whole amount.

Acting Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena confirmed the approval of  the ordinance yesterday.

“Technically approved na… mu-take effect na to karon,” Saragena said.

He said Board Member Alex Binghay pushed for the measure because there are LGUs that cannot afford to shoulder the 10 percent counterpart.

“Naay LGU nga dili nalng mo apil kay wala sila’y ika-counterpart anang 10%,” Saragena said.

The insurance covers Palay Production, Corn Production, Livestock Production, Fishing boat Production, and Accident Dismemberment Security scheme (ADSS).

In the event of an accidental death, the Accident Dismemberment Security scheme (ADSS) provides P50,000 to the family of  the beneficiary; P5,000 for medical reimbursement; and P2,000 for burial expenses.

To qualify for the program, farmers should farm a maximum of one hectare and a minimum of ¼ of a hectare of land. Meanwhile, fishermen must have at least one fishing boat either motorized or non-motorized.

Farmers and fishermen who are interested to avail of  the insurance may approach their local agricultural agriculturist.

There are approximately 100,000 farmers and fishermen in the province.

The insurance provider, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), released the latest figures who registered. This year from January 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014, there are only 7 LGUs who signed for palay production, 6 LGUs for Corn Production, 10 for Livestock production, 20 LGUs for ADSS Production, and 11 LGUs for fishing boat production. – (FREEMAN)