The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday started the nationwide simultaneous release of the PHP10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF).

The release of assistance comes at a time of rising fuel, transportation, production, and farm input costs due to the effects of recent conflicts in the Middle East.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that although the amount of financial aid seems to be limited, at PHP2,325 per eligible beneficiary, it will help millions of food producers in the Philippines and prevent the disruption of overall food production.

“This financial assistance, while admittedly small, provides a lifeline for over 4.1 million Filipino farmers and fisherfolk hit hard by soaring petroleum product prices,” he said.

The majority of beneficiaries are from the rice sector, at 2.197 million; followed by 1.475 million corn producers; more than 102,000 sugar farmers; and about 399,000 fishers.

For the first tranche, initial payouts will begin in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Other than the PAFF, the agency is ramping up efforts for the distribution of fuel subsidies to farmers and fishers, sourcing funds for additional intervention in production, input costs and logistics, and the provision of post-harvest facilities to address long-term challenges. (PNA)