The Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (DA-PCIC) has been reaching out to farmers in the province this week to distribute indemnity checks to insured farmers, in coordination with local government units (LGUs).

Laoag City agriculturist Sheila Marie Opelac told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday that 1,121 farmers here have received their indemnity claims for damages and losses caused by typhoons, pests, and plant diseases affecting crops, as well as livestock mortalities and fisheries losses in the previous year.

“Through our partnership with the DA-PCIC, we’re helping our agriculture community recover, replant, and rise again,” Opelac said, citing that the release is still timely because of the current economic situation affecting farmers.

The farmer-recipients expressed their gratitude for support from PCIC and the city government, noting that they were insured and had recovered part of their losses, allowing them to begin anew.

The PCIC is encouraging all farmers to take advantage of its services to protect their livelihoods and increase their resilience.

According to the City Agriculture Office, some recipients received more than one check during the distribution.

The amount each farmer received was determined based on the area of the land they were tilling and the stage of the crop when it was affected by the previous typhoons.

The Office of the City Agriculturist facilitated the farmers’ claims, and additional indemnity payments will be issued to eligible insured farmers. (PNA)