The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released over PHP4.8 million to 968 farmers in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental as part of the government’s regular financial assistance to the sector, an official said Friday.

The 968 recipients were part of the 5,662 farmers in the town identified to get the regular cash assistance from DA for 2023, Alejandro Rafal, DA Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Officer told the Philippine News Agency.

“I would like to clarify that this assistance is not yet for El Niño damages and losses but a regular yearly assistance given to farmers from funds taken out of the rice tariffication law,” he said.

Rafal led the distribution of the cash assistance to farmers on Thursday, together with Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria and Mayor Jack Raymond.

PHP28.3 million has been allocated for all the identified farmers in the city. The money will be released in batches with each beneficiary getting PHP5,000.

Last week, PHP7.7 million in cash aid was released to 1,555 farmers in Tanjay City.

The DA had calendared more than PHP161 million in aid for all the farmers in Negros Oriental in 2023 and only released this year. (PNA)