The Department of Agriculture (DA) has regained control of state-run Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), enhancing its ability to support farmers and fisherfolk in times of natural disasters and diseases.
President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 60, transferring the supervision and control of PCIC back to the DA after almost three years under the Department of Finance (DOF).
The DA stated that the PCIC is now attached to the department for policy and program coordination, as directed by the President.
The move was motivated by the necessity for a robust organizational link between PCIC and DA to improve agricultural insurance protection programs that cater to the needs of small farmers, fisherfolk, and other agricultural stakeholders. These policies aim to ensure food security and modernization of agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of this control transfer, stating it will help assure farmers, livestock and poultry raisers, and aquaculturists against losses caused by disasters, pests, or diseases.
PCIC was established in 1995 to provide insurance protection to farmers against losses due to natural calamities, plant diseases, and pests affecting crops like palay and corn. It had been under the jurisdiction of the DA until September 2021 when former President Rodrigo Duterte transferred it to the DOF.
The agency has been advocating for the return of oversight over PCIC to harmonize policy implementation, particularly amid challenges in providing assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk. This recent development marks a significant step towards strengthening support for the agricultural sector in the Philippines.
