The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) will allocate ₱666.7 million to farmers impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Sunday, Nov. 3.
The storm, which struck between Oct. 22 and 25, affected 86,066 farmers across 10 regions, with Central Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Mimaropa (Region 4B) bearing the brunt of the damage.
According to PCIC President JB Jovy Bernabe, rice, high-value crops, and fisheries sustained the most damage, prompting expected payouts of ₱413.6 million for rice, ₱167.9 million for high-value crops, and ₱27.7 million for fisheries.
“We have set aside an initial amount of P667 million for insurance payments to around 86,066 farmers,” Bernabe said.
Laurel ordered the PCIC to expedite claims processing, emphasizing the need for rapid assistance to help farmers recover.
“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,” he said.
The DA chief said he had directed all DA agencies to prepare for damage assessments and ensure immediate aid where necessary.
“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 Laurel.
The agency said it is also bracing for potential impacts from Super Typhoon Leon, which, despite being forecasted to avoid landfall, poses a risk due to its gale-force winds and potential storm surges up to 12 meters high.