Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that approximately PHP251 million has been allocated for insurance claims to aid farmers impacted by Typhoon Tino, known internationally as Kalmaegi. The funds are designated for insured farmers across several regions, including Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao, through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), a DA-affiliated agency.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCIC President Jovy Bernabe reported that around 32,247 insured farmers, from Calabarzon to Caraga, were affected by Typhoon Tino. Notably, Eastern Visayas accounts for approximately one-third of these cases with 10,352 affected farmers. The total estimated insurance payment is approximately PHP250.6 million.

The PCIC has quantified damages to high-value crops at PHP74.3 million, rice sector losses at PHP56.7 million, and corn losses at PHP42.3 million. A rapid assessment conducted from November 4 to 7 was part of the government’s immediate recovery efforts to bolster the agricultural sector.

The DA highlighted that aid to farmers and fishers hit by both Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) could potentially reach PHP1 billion. This assistance encompasses farm inputs, animal feeds, drugs, biologics, and fingerlings. Additionally, a loanable amount of PHP25,000 is available under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program.