SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA: An initial 2,700 farmers in Antique province have started receiving cash assistance to mitigate the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, facilitated by the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program. According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution of aid was led by Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao, who mentioned that the assistance was sourced from the Office of the President, with coordination from the Department of Agriculture and the local Antique Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA). The initiative aims to support farmers affected by adverse weather conditions caused by El Niño. Governor Cadiao expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating that she had personally requested the aid for the local farmers. The 2,700 beneficiaries are part of a larger group of 5,000 farmers who will receive PHP10,000 each by November 13. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta added that the initial recipients hail from the towns of Anini-y, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, Sibalom, Valderrama, and Barbaza. He also noted that additional aid distributions are scheduled for November 12 in Bugasong, and November 13 in San Remigio, to cover the remaining beneficiaries from the northern towns. The financial assistance is expected to provide much-needed relief as farmers prepare for the second cropping season. Local farmer Raquel Esteves from Barangay Maasin, Sibalom, plans to use the funds to purchase fertilizer and essential inputs for her rice farm, highlighting the significance of the aid amidst the challenges posed by El Niño. Similarly, Anacleto Sembran, a farm tenant from Tobias Fornier, expressed his gratitude towards President Marcos, acknowledging the crucial support the assistance provides to the farming community during this challenging period.