Pampanga agri hardly hit in CL - PCIC

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) disclosed that Pampanga is the hardest hit province in the region in so far as the agricultural sector is concerned affecting some 5,241 rice farmers whose crops were devastated by the recent calamity.

Pampanga recorded an estimated agricultural losses amounting to more P22-million affecting 7,335 hectares submerged to flood water. 

Romeo Gonzales, PCIC regional manager, in his visit in Candaba town the other day disclosed that they are ready to settle claims of rice and corn farmers.

“Kailangan mai-validate natin sila at ma-identify natin yung mga insured crops na nalubog,” Gonzales said. 

It was learned that PCIC set aside some P110-million to provide insurance benefit to farmers in the affected provinces.

PCIC is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture which vowed to pay claims 20 days after filing of the same.

Mario Concepcion, Candaba town agriculturist, in an interview stated that some 799 farmers from 12 barangays involving 1,028.22 hectares could possibly avail benefits from PCIC.

However, he clarified that they could only get benefit if based on the validation  they really sustained losses due to flood water.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na insured sila makakakuha na sila ng benepisyo. Kailangan maipakita na nasira talaga ang kanilang pananim,” Concepcion added.

Based on the final report of the Municipal Agriculture Office, 552.58 hectares were completely damage and 716.55 hectares partially damage.