The municipal government of Currimao in Ilocos Norte is giving out free life insurance to all heads of families engaged in fishing and farming activities.

“Recognizing the vital role these hardworking kakailians (constituents) play in sustaining our local economy and food security, this project of our local government unit aims to provide them with essential support during challenging times,” Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala said on Friday.

Quilala spearheaded the distribution of two checks worth PHP25,000 each to the families of Reynaldo Vigilla Jr., a farmer from Maglaoi Sur, and Rockyfeller Lapat, a fisherman from Gaang, who both died of stroke in September and November last year, respectively.

There are 1,250 target beneficiaries under the program.

Through the life insurance coverage program of the municipal government, done in collaboration with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), Quilala said farmers and fisherfolk will have peace of mind knowing that their families will be protected in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

Under the Agricultural Producers Protection Plan (AP3) of the PCIC, insured beneficiaries are entitled to a maximum of PHP50,000 coverage in case of death due to accident, natural causes and murder or assault, with a one-year validity.

Like last year, the Currimao government has allocated PHP200,000 for the payment of life insurance premiums to all farmers and fisherfolk in the municipality registered to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), including immediate family of those registered as animal raiser or farm worker.

Engineer Erickson Biag, municipal agriculturist of Currimao town, said the program is one of the proactive measures of the municipal government aimed at protecting food producers who are also vulnerable to both natural and man-made hazards.

The program is on top of the insurance program for crops, fish harvest, and livestock, Biag said. (PNA)