The first batch of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) Program has officially started in Negros Occidental, with the distribution of ₱13,578,000 to 5,840 sugarcane farmers, a Department of Agriculture (DA) official confirmed on Friday, April 17.
Jose Albert Barrogo, DA Negros Island Region director, said the list of sugarcane farmer beneficiaries was provided by the Sugar Regulatory Administration and validated by the local government units.
He said small sugarcane farmers from eight LGUs will receive ₱2,325 each in fuel subsidies for their operations.
Aid to rice and corn farmers, and fisherfolk will follow, Barrogo said.
The distribution schedule began on Thursday, April 16, at the Victorias City Covered Court, where 1,470 beneficiaries from Cadiz, Manapla, EB Magalona, and Victorias received a total of ₱3,417,750.
On Friday, the distribution moved to Murcia to assist 2,885 beneficiaries from Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia with a payout of ₱6,707,625.00.
The final leg of the first batch distribution is set for Saturday in Talisay City, targeting 1,485 beneficiaries from Silay and Talisay with ₱3,452,625 in assistance.
Barrogo said the assistance comes at a critical time for the local sugar industry amidst the current economic crisis.*
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