MANILA—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan plans to increase crop insurance for farmers, citing the adverse impact of natural disasters on agricultural workers’ livelihood.

Speaking before local farmers in Tuguegarao City on Thursday, Aug. 14, during the distribution of indemnity checks by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Pangilinan shared his own experience as a farmer-CEO whose crops were destroyed by typhoons just before harvest.

“Kaya nagtatanim dahil umaasang magkaroon ng magandang ani kaya dapat suportahan kaya naguusap kami ni Jovee (PCIC President). sabi ko ‘ilang taon na kayong hindi nagi-increase ng budget? Limang taon na eh sa limang taon na yun, iba na presyo ng pagkain, iba na presyo ng bilihin, iba na presyo ng krudo. Dapat i-angat natin ang budget ng crop insurance,’” the senator said.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan highlighted challenges such as the lack of post-harvest facilities, machinery, and government subsidies on fertilizers, pesticides, crude oil, and insurance, particularly in Cagayan Province.

“Long game ito, ika nga, pero iisa-isahin natin. Anim na taon pa naman ako magiging senador, so anim na taon nating pagtutulungan at bubunuin itong mga prokeyto sa Cagayan,” he added.

Pangilinan also advocated for the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which allows local governments to purchase food directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding. He said this would help provide fresh and nutritious food to evacuees during disasters, as well as to hospitals, schools, and jails.