The Department of Agriculture said nearly P298 million in financial assistance has been allocated for more than 128,000 rice, corn, and sugarcane farmers in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program.
Data released by the DA on Friday showed that P297.7 million has been earmarked for eligible beneficiaries in the Negros Island Region, with each farmer set to receive P2,325 in assistance.
DA-NIR Director Jose Albert Barrogo said the program aims to help ease part of the fuel-related expenses of farmers and fisherfolk as they continue supporting local food production.
“Though the amount is minimal, the government is continuously finding ways to assist our food producers as much as we could,” Barrogo said.
Negros Occidental received the biggest allocation at P175.088 million for 75,307 beneficiaries, including 57,389 rice farmers, 6,370 corn farmers, and 11,548 sugarcane farmers.
In Negros Oriental, P115.696 million was allotted for 49,762 beneficiaries composed of 20,015 rice farmers, 6,370 corn farmers, and 692 sugarcane farmers.
Siquijor, meanwhile, received P6.928 million intended for 2,980 rice farmers.
As of Friday, the DA said 83,611 beneficiaries across the region had already received assistance amounting to P194.395 million.
In Bacolod City alone, 613 rice, corn, and sugarcane farmers received a combined P1.425 million during a payout held at the Bacolod City Government Center on May 13.
The DA said the PAFF program forms part of the government’s continuing support for farmers and fisherfolk facing rising production costs and other challenges affecting the agriculture sector.