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MANILA, Philippines — In a bold move to strengthen the country’s food security and protect small farmers from the growing threats of climate change, lawmakers from Abra are pushing for the creation of a free weather index-based crop insurance system with automatic payouts — a reform aimed at ending long delays in disaster compensation.

Solid North Party-list Representative Ching Bernos and Abra Lone District Representative JB Bernos have filed House Bill No. 6519, also known as the Weather Ready Farmers Bill, which seeks to establish a Free Weather Index-Based Crop Insurance (FIBCI) Program.

The proposed program will be supervised by the Insurance Commission and backed by a ₱5.8 billion Premium Subsidy Fund, ensuring that small farmers can access insurance coverage without shouldering costly premiums.

Faster Help When Disasters Strike

Unlike traditional crop insurance that relies on lengthy damage assessments and disaster declarations, the FIBCI system will release payouts automatically once pre-set weather indicators — such as rainfall levels, wind speed, or extreme temperatures — exceed critical thresholds.

This means farmers no longer have to wait months, or even years, to receive compensation after typhoons, floods, or droughts.

“Through this measure, we can ensure that our small farmers receive timely compensation, administrative delays are minimized, and there are no disputes over loss verification,” Rep. Ching Bernos said in a statement.

Because the insurance is weather-triggered, payouts will no longer depend on a formal state of calamity declaration by local governments — a step that often slows down assistance.

Who Will Benefit

The primary beneficiaries will be farmers, fishers, and agricultural cooperatives who register through their respective local government units (LGUs). Coverage will be offered as group policies through accredited insurance providers, making enrollment simpler and more affordable.

LGUs may also contribute local funds to enhance coverage, while farmers who want expanded benefits may voluntarily add premium payments for additional insurance features.

Strong Oversight for Nationwide Protection

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the bill proposes the formation of a FIBCI Oversight Board, composed of key government agencies and sector representatives, including:

• Department of Agriculture

• Department of the Interior and Local Government

• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

• Cooperative Development Authority

The board will meet regularly to monitor operations and guide the broader implementation of index-based agricultural insurance across the country.

Ending the Cycle of Delayed Relief

Rep. JB Bernos stressed that the current system often leaves farmers struggling long after disasters hit.

“The next typhoon or flood comes, and farmers still haven’t been paid. We must change the system so we can respond immediately to their needs,” he said.

He warned that every delay in farmer recovery ripples through the nation’s food supply — raising prices, reducing harvests, and putting food security at risk.

NPO News Team I PNA-PR