The provincial government of La Union has started the distribution of cash assistance to 209 farmers and fisherfolk as the first batch of recipients affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-Wong) last year and amid the rising fuel costs.

The first batch are from Bangar, Bauang, Caba, Luna and Sudipen towns, according to the provincial government.

Supervising administrative officer Justin Marbella, in a phone interview on Tuesday, said each of the recipients received PHP8,000.

“Then there will be a second batch, awaiting for the accreditation of the farmers and fisherfolk organizations, and completion of their documents,” he said.

The financial assistance program is under Provincial Ordinance No. 425- 2023 or the Agricultural Emergency Trust Fund that aims to help the affected fishers and farmers recover in their livelihood.

In a statement, Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega expressed support to the fishers and farmers in the province for their valuable contribution in food security.

“Wag kayong sumuko sa kahit ano mang unos na dumating dahil nandito lang kami lagi sa inyong likuran na handang umalalay. Patuloy kaming magkakaisa upang makapagbigay ng sapat at nararapat na tulong para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda (Do not give up, whatever challenges may come we are here to support you. We will continue to unite to give enough and proper help for the farmers and fisherfolk),” he said.

Super Typhoon Uwan caused an initial PHP816 million worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure in La Union province, based on the report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as of November 2025.

Most of the damage in agriculture were on fishing gears, banca, high-value crops — eggplant, palay, tomato, ampalaya, fish stocks — malaga, lapu-lapu, bangus (milkfish), according to the La Union Provincial Information Office. (PNA)