A total of 468 farmers from 19 towns and 13 municipalities of Negros Occidental received P2.2 million as proceeds from the crop insurance program of the provincial government at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City Saturday.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the distribution of the insurance fund is part of the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program. The insurance was given by the provincial government in cooperation with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., he said.

The crop insurance covers farmers against losses from plant diseases, pest infestation, and natural calamities, reduces the impact of damage from calamities and attains food security and agricultural productivity.

Excluding the amount distributed Saturday, a total of P20,169,210 has been distributed so far through NFUCIP covering 5,073.59 hectares of rice lands since the program began in 2011, records from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist show.

Aside from Marañon, the distribution was also led by Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and his wife, former councilor and TV host Shalani Soledad.

Meanwhile, Marañon urged farmers who are dependent on water irrigation to be mindful of their colleagues and to shut off the canal to prevent water spill over.

He said the operation in most irrigation systems in Negros Occidental is scheduled to ensure that all farmers will get their share of water supply.*APN

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