DENR and PCIC to Insure High-Value Crops in Ilocos Norte

Laoag City—Farmers engaged in forest development in Ilocos Norte can now be insured by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “There are around 70 people’s organizations in Ilocos Norte and we hope to insure their high-value crops for their protection in case of calamities,” Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Victor Dabalos said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, to reach more farmers and speed up their registration for the insurance package, DENR-Forest Management Bureau and PCIC held a caravan on high-value crops at the Centennial Arena in Laoag City. The forestry and agroforestry species that may be insured in the existing High-Value Crops (HVCs) insurance program include falcata, mahogany, gmelina, narra, lauan, rubber, bamboo, coffee, cacao, and fruit-bearing trees. “I am so glad to have this insurance program for our farmers. This will be of great help to them when calamity strikes,” Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc said during the opening of the caravan. He mentioned that the province is focusing on coffee, cacao, bamboo, and salt this year to maximize economic development.