“Neither the steady increase in the number of farmers we insure nor the optimal utilization of the government premium subsidy allocation matters, but their full satisfaction on the services rendered them particularly in the fast settlement of their claims”.  This was the highlight of the message of Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe, President of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) during its National Operations Review and Planning Conference participated by the Management and Regional Managers in Davao City on January 26-27, 2015.

Impressed with the PCIC yearend accomplishments for 2014 which registered an average increase of 58% for all parameters compared to the 2013 performance, Atty. Bernabe added,“ Let us ensure that the farmers covered are fully informed and aware that they are insured, and that they have rights and obligations and entitlements under their crop insurance policies.  They should be thoroughly informed of the implementing policies and guidelines, processes and procedures in availing of the  crop insurance coverage specially in claims settlement and payment in the most simplistic way, eradicating misconception of prolonged bureaucratic process. Thus, we could claim to be true to our mandate and give justice to the trust reposed upon us by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management, Congress and the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas which entrusted us huge amounts of money”.

Optimistic that the two-day session would be a productive one, Atty. Bernabe encouraged proposals from the participants to improve the operations of the Corporation and make it truly responsive and relevant in addressing the needs and plight of the lowly farmers.

On the underwriting process, Atty. Bernabe spoke on the possibility of simplifying the requirements and implementing some components of the PCIC Automated Business System (PABS) at the PCIC Extension Offices to fast tract the whole process.

For claims adjustment and settlement, he welcomes proposed suggestions and amendments on the composition and number of adjusters which would result to a faster claims settlement response time.

The President also enjoined all Regional Managers to be vigilant in monitoring instances of moral hazards involving adjusters and perennial claimants and be hands-on auditors themselves to preserve the integrity of the insurance system.

PCIC Chair of the Board Mr. Dioscoro A. Granada called on everyone to prepare for the challenges in 2015 and be ready to deal with the significant increase in volume of transactions.