Senator urges expansion of AICS, TUPAD to aid more farmers and fisherfolk
MANILA — Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday called for the expansion of government cash aid and emergency employment programs to support farmers and fisherfolk, citing gaps in coverage that could threaten the country’s food supply.
Pangilinan proposed tapping allocations from the 2026 national budget, including the ₱63.85-billion Assistance to Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances (AICS) and the ₱21.28-billion Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, as well as other emergency cash aid initiatives.
He noted that only 4.18 million out of 10.76 million registered food producers in the Department of Agriculture’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture are covered by the current ₱10-billion assistance program.
“Frontliner food soldiers in this crisis are our farmers and fisherfolk. Their weapon is immediate livelihood support so they can continue tilling the land, going out to sea, and ensuring food reaches every Filipino table,” Pangilinan said.
The senator emphasized that even before the ongoing Middle East conflict, many food producers were already struggling. He warned that gaps in assistance could further strain the country’s food supply.
“As it is, many are still not in the registry. Even before the conflict in the Middle East, many of them were already facing hardships. Securing their livelihoods is key to securing the nation’s food supply,” he added.
Pangilinan stressed that supporting farmers and fisherfolk is critical for food security, noting that the wellbeing of food producers directly affects the availability of food for all Filipinos.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
