House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is pushing for faster, simpler, and more inclusive financial support systems for Filipino farmers, which he is known to work closely with in his province.

According to the Isabela 6th district congressman, these reforms in crop insurance and government lending programs will ensure long-term stability in the agriculture sector.

In the joint hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Committee on Ways and Means on Monday, Oct. 6, Speaker Dy said “Kasama rin sa mga reporma ang pagpapalawak ng proteksyon at access sa pondo ng ating mga magsasaka. Nais nating gawing obligado ang crop insurance para sa lahat at matiyak na ang Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation ay nakakapagproseso ng claims sa loob ng 10 araw gamit ang digital system.”

(Included in the reforms is the expansion of protection and access to funding for our farmers. We aim to make crop insurance mandatory for all and ensure that the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation can process claims within 10 days using a digital system.)

The House leader said that making crop insurance mandatory and fully digitalized would help farmers recover faster from losses due to calamities and market shocks.

Dy also urged government banks to make agricultural loans more accessible by removing red tape and eliminating interest charges.

“Hinihikayat naman natin ang mga bangko ng pamahalaan, tulad ng Land Bank of the Philippines, na gawing walang interes at mas simple ang mga pautang sa agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng pagbawas ng mga dokumento upang mas madali para sa mga benepisyaryo ng agrarian reform na makakuha ng pondo,” he said.

(We also urge government banks, such as the Land Bank of the Philippines, to make agricultural loans interest-free and simpler by reducing documentary requirements, so that agrarian reform beneficiaries can more easily access funding.)

The Speaker stressed that reforms in financing, insurance, and infrastructure must go hand in hand with immediate assistance to farmers, especially amid fluctuating palay prices.

“Kailangang magkaisa tayo para sa ating mga magsasaka. Sa agarang suporta at pangmatagalang reporma, titiyakin nating may kinabukasan ang kanilang kabuhayan at may murang bigas ang bawat Pilipino.”

(We must unite for our farmers. Through immediate support and long-term reforms, we will ensure the future of their livelihood and affordable rice for every Filipino.)