In the face of mounting challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon, the provincial government of Iloilo has taken a proactive step to support its farmers and fisherfolks. The partnership between the provincial government and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) heralds a new era of resilience-building and support for the backbone of Iloilo's agricultural sector.
The launch of the SIGURADO program, aptly named Sustainable Insurance from the Government for Upscaling and Revitalizing the Agri-fisheries Developments and Opportunities, underscores the commitment of local authorities to provide tangible assistance to those affected by calamities, particularly the ongoing El Niño.
At the heart of this initiative lies a simple yet powerful concept: insurance premium coverage for farmers and fisherfolks. The allocation of PHP 15 million as initial funding reflects the seriousness with which the provincial government approaches the challenges facing its agricultural community. By partnering with PCIC, farmers and fisherfolk gain access to financial assistance that can help alleviate the impact of losses resulting from calamities.
Crucially, the SIGURADO program extends its reach beyond those already covered by PCIC's Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RBSA), ensuring that even marginalized farmers and fisherfolks receive the support they need during times of crisis. This inclusivity speaks volumes about the province's commitment to leave no one behind in its pursuit of agricultural resilience.
The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially in light of the latest reports indicating the widespread impact of El Niño on Iloilo's rice farmers. With approximately 8,000 rice farmers already feeling the effects of the drought, the need for immediate and effective intervention has never been more urgent.
Under the SIGURADO program, farmers and fisherfolks can avail themselves of insurance premiums and financial assistance of up to PHP 20,000 in the event of losses caused by calamities such as El Niño. This safety net provides much-needed stability and peace of mind to those whose livelihoods depend on the unpredictability of nature.
Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr.'s visionary leadership in spearheading this initiative is commendable. By recognizing the inherent value of collaboration and innovation, he has paved the way for a more resilient and empowered agricultural sector in Iloilo. As he rightly notes, this program represents a departure from traditional forms of assistance, offering farmers and fisherfolk the opportunity to access a broader range of benefits.
As the SIGURADO program takes root and expands, it is heartening to see the convergence of key stakeholders, including PCIC, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), and other government agencies. Together, they form a formidable alliance dedicated to the well-being and prosperity of Iloilo's agricultural community.
Caption: During the launching of the Sustainable Insurance of the Government for Upscaling and Revitalizing Agri-Fishery Development and Opportunity (SIGURADO) program at the provincial capitol on Tuesday (March 5, 2024), Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. handed over the PHP15 million fund for farmers' insurance premiums to enroll under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
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