‘Farmers Day’ showcases government support programs for agriculture
ILOILO CITY — Government initiatives aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector took center stage during the “Farmers Day” celebration in the Municipality of Alimodian on Thursday.
Alimodian municipal agriculturist Chyta Calibayan said the event served as a way to recognize farmers for their vital role in ensuring food security in the community.
During the activity, representatives from various agencies presented key programs and updates designed to support farmers.
Ronel Betic, insurance underwriter of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) in Western Visayas, discussed new guidelines that expand insurance coverage for farmers. Under the updated policy, farmers with geotagged farms can now insure up to two hectares and cover more than one commodity—an increase from the previous limit of 1.5 hectares for a single crop.
He also noted that insurance coverage for corn and palay has been raised to ₱25,000 per hectare from ₱20,000, effective at the start of this year’s first cropping season, which begins with the onset of rains and the opening of irrigation systems.
To qualify for the insurance program, farmers must be registered with the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
Meanwhile, Supervising Agriculturist Gerone Magbanua of the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture’s Office said the province is pushing for the implementation of the Sagip Saka program, which allows the government to directly purchase produce from farmers.
He encouraged local government units to procure agricultural products straight from farmers instead of going through intermediaries, simplifying the process compared to previous bidding requirements.
Farmers’ associations can qualify for this procurement scheme by registering with the province’s farmers and fisherfolk information system.
Magbanua added that the provincial government is also strengthening its crop insurance program, particularly for farmers who are not yet registered under the RSBSA.
Provincial veterinarian Darel Tabuada, for his part, emphasized the importance of proper livestock care, especially during the summer season. He advised farmers to avoid exposing animals to extreme heat between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and to ensure they have access to adequate water.
He also reminded farmers that maintaining animal health relies on three basic practices: regular deworming, vaccination, and proper vitamin supplementation. He urged farmers to immediately coordinate with their municipal agriculture offices for any concerns related to animal health.
Also present during the information caravan were representatives from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agri-Fishery Section, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and various private partners.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
