In a significant move to support its agricultural community, the Currimao municipal government in Ilocos Norte has initiated a program to provide free life insurance to 1,250 farmers and fishers. This initiative, led by Mayor Edward Quilala, aims to offer financial security to the families of these essential workers in times of unexpected loss. The program was highlighted by the distribution of PHP25,000 checks to the families of two deceased beneficiaries, Reynaldo Vigilla Jr. and Rockyfeller Lapat, who passed away due to strokes. Mayor Quilala emphasized the importance of this support, stating that it recognizes the crucial role these individuals play in maintaining the local economy and food security. The life insurance, facilitated through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) under the Agricultural Producers Protection Plan (AP3), offers up to PHP50,000 in coverage for death due to accidents, natural causes, or violent acts, with a one-year validity. The Currimao government has allocated PHP200,000 to cover the premiums for all registered farmers, fishers, and their immediate families in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Erickson Biag, the municipal agriculturist, praised the program as a proactive step to protect food producers from various hazards, complementing existing insurance programs for crops, fish, and livestock.
