MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially launched a massive ₱10-billion cash assistance program to support over 4.1 million farmers and fisherfolk reeling from the impact of surging fuel and production costs.
Under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), qualified beneficiaries will receive a one-time financial aid of ₱2,325. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel acknowledged that while the amount is modest, it serves as a vital “lifeline” for those hit hardest by the global energy crisis.
The program targets small-scale producers who are most vulnerable to the rising costs of fertilizers, seeds, and boat fuel:
- Rice Farmers: Those tilling 2 hectares of land or less.
- Corn and Sugarcane Farmers: Specifically those registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
- Municipal Fisherfolk: Individuals registered under the National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration (BoatR).
The DA is moving quickly to get funds into the hands of those who need them most. Payouts for the first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to begin within the week in the following regions:
- Luzon: Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
- Visayas: Western Visayas.
- Mindanao: Zamboanga Peninsula.
The rollout comes as fuel prices have spiked significantly since late February, largely due to escalating military tensions in the Middle East affecting global energy targets.
- The Goal: Immediate support to prevent a total shutdown of agricultural and fishing activities.
- The Challenge: The DA noted that finalizing master lists remains a hurdle, but officials are working to ensure a transparent and efficient distribution system to avoid the delays seen in previous large-scale aid efforts.
While the PAFFP offers a short-term buffer, Sec. Tiu-Laurel emphasized that the agency is also looking at broader agricultural measures—such as improved irrigation and localized fertilizer production—to sustain productivity in the face of long-term economic headwinds. For the millions of Filipinos who provide the nation’s food security, this ₱10-billion fund is a small but necessary step toward weathering the current storm.