Over 11,000 Ilocos farmers, fisherfolk to receive cash aid under PAFF
In Ilocos Region, more than 11,000 farmers and fisherfolk across four municipalities are set to receive cash assistance on April 15 under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program.
Speaking at a forum in Malasiqui, Department of Agriculture project evaluation officer Irene Tactac said the unconditional cash aid aims to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on the agriculture sector.
The program will benefit individuals registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), including rice, corn, and sugarcane farmers, as well as fisherfolk.
Initial recipients come from Sta. Barbara, San Fernando City, Bantay, and Laoag City.
Tactac noted that the PAFF has a national allocation of ₱10 billion, with Ilocos Region receiving ₱1.1 billion intended for about 480,080 beneficiaries. Each recipient is expected to receive approximately ₱2,325.
She clarified that the assistance is separate from the government’s fuel subsidy program, where qualified beneficiaries—particularly those with farm machinery—will receive ₱5,000 each.
Distribution of fuel subsidies is scheduled to begin in the third week of May, complementing the broader effort to support agricultural workers amid rising production and transport costs.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
