The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), a subsidiary of the Department of Agriculture, is encouraging hog raisers to secure insurance packages for the hogs in light of the recent outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in various provinces, including Romblon.
The ASF outbreak has been a growing concern in the province of Romblon, where several cases have been reported over the past few weeks.
In response, PCIC has provided insurance coverage for the local hog raisers. As of now, more than 3,600 hog raisers in Romblon have insured approximately 36,000 swines.
Lucille Cristo, PCIC Romblon's focal person, emphasized that they are working closely with local government units to expedite the registration of hog raisers, especially backyard farmers. The goal is to include all hog raisers in the free insurance program, provided their areas remain ASF-free.
Cristo called on municipalities that are still ASF-free to enroll all local hog raisers in the insurance program. However, some towns in Romblon, such as Cajidiocan, San Fernando, Alcantara, and Santa Fe, are no longer eligible for the program due to confirmed ASF cases.
Insurance coverage is offered for free to hog raisers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). According to Cristo, if insured pigs contract ASF, their owners will receive a P10,000 indemnification payout.
Those not on the list can obtain insurance coverage for a premium payment of only P225 per head.
Hog raisers can apply for insurance by visiting their municipal agricultural officers, ensuring their protection against financial losses when hit by ASF.
