PCIC transfer to boost efficiency – Dar

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) will continue its insurance programs for farmers and fisherfolks despite its transfer to the Department of Finance (DOF), according to Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

Dar issued the statement in response to fears raised by the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), particularly on the potential shift in the priorities of the agency to fiscal and monetary concerns.

“We assure the FFF that their interest and those of other farmers’ groups will continue and remain the priority of the PCIC board,” Dar said.

“The fear of FFF is unfounded as the PCIC, with its transfer to the DOF, as per Executive Order 148, will make the operations of the agency more efficient in fulfilling its mandate toward providing insurance protection to subsistence farmers and fisherfolks,” Dar added.

Earlier this week, President Duterte signed EO 148 which transfers the PCIC from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the DOF.

With the reorganization of the PCIC board, the Secretary of the DOF will serve as chairperson, while the DA Secretary will be the vice-chairperson.