Romualdez Advocates for Crop Insurance Coverage Expansion
MANILA, Philippines — Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has filed a bill to expand crop insurance coverage, aiming to protect farmers and growers from the damaging effects of natural calamities and climate-related risks. The proposal, House Bill No. 14, is part of a broader effort to prioritize farmers’ welfare under the Marcos administration.
Romualdez, together with Tingog party-list Reps. Jude Acidre and Andrew Julian Romualdez, formally introduced the bill to the 20th Congress. This legislation seeks to widen the scope of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) by allowing more private sector involvement in agricultural insurance.
Broadening Crop Insurance Coverage for Farmers
Currently, PCIC’s services mainly cover traditional crops like rice and corn. The proposed bill will extend protection to high-value crops, livestock, aquaculture, farm machinery, and post-harvest infrastructure. This expansion aims to give farmers a stronger safety net against unpredictable weather and disasters.
“We are one with the President in putting farmers front and center in our development agenda,” Romualdez emphasized. “His call to expand crop insurance is not just timely—it is necessary. It’s about giving our farmers peace of mind when they plant, and hope when disaster strikes.”
He added, “From insurance to innovation to fair pricing, all these are part of a bigger effort to make sure that farming remains a viable and dignified way of life. Because when we protect our farmers, we protect every Filipino family who depends on them for food.”
Addressing Vulnerabilities of Small-Scale Farmers
Romualdez highlighted that small-scale farmers often avoid insurance due to accessibility issues. According to data from a 2023 study by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, around 2.4 million Filipino rice farmers are vulnerable to climate shocks but lack sufficient insurance protection.
“They take all the risks, and when nature hits hard, they’re left with nothing. That has to change,” he said firmly.
Supporting Food Security and NFA Reforms
The bill aligns with Congress’s support for food security initiatives under the Marcos administration. Romualdez underscored the challenges farmers face, such as floods, droughts, and typhoons, noting that they cannot confront these alone.
“President Marcos understands that farming today means confronting floods, droughts, and typhoons—and farmers cannot face these battles alone. Our job in Congress is to make sure the support system is strong, fair, and responsive,” he stated.
Romualdez described the legislation as his personal vow to every farmer risking everything each planting season. “With better insurance, we’re not just protecting crops—we’re protecting lives, dreams, and the future of our food supply,” he added.
The bill also complements Romualdez’s ongoing efforts to reform the rice industry, a cornerstone of the country’s food security.
Advancing the Rice Industry and Consumer Protection
Before the 19th Congress ended, Romualdez expressed support for reforms in the National Food Authority (NFA) to enable the government to purchase palay at fair prices and provide consumers with affordable rice.
The House backs the proposed NFA Reform Bill, which aims to make the agency more efficient in stabilizing rice prices and supporting farmers. This measure is part of the Department of Agriculture’s initiative to ensure a stable, secure food supply.
Earlier this year, Romualdez filed House Bill No. 1 of the 20th Congress, known as the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act. The bill seeks to strengthen NFA’s regulatory powers to stabilize rice prices and ensure fair market conditions.
According to a copy of the measure obtained by local sources, the bill aims to reinforce NFA’s authority to support the rice industry while protecting consumers through adequate rice supply and stable prices.
The new measure also proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 8178, the Agricultural Tariffication Act, to further empower farmers and safeguard the rice supply chain.
For more news and updates on crop insurance coverage expansion, visit Filipinokami.com.