Albay: The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) has commenced the distribution of cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program in Bacacay. The initiative, which began on Wednesday, is providing PHP2,325 in cash aid to 2,890 beneficiaries across various municipalities in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Florentino Ubalde Jr., the DA-5 Bicol agricultural program coordinating officer for Albay, detailed that the beneficiaries comprise 1,717 farmers from Bacacay, 333 from Malilipot, and 840 from Santo Domingo. Ubalde emphasized that the current effort marks the beginning of a broader PAFF caravan that will cover these three municipalities. The program is expected to reach over 38,000 farmers by the end of May.

Ubalde clarified that the current assistance is limited to rice and corn farmers, with future plans to support sugarcane farmers through the Sugar Regulatory Administration and fisherfolk via the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Daryl John Buenconsejo, head of the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and national government agencies for their support, especially for those affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

In addition to the PAFF cash assistance, farmers and residents have received various forms of aid, including cash relief transfers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Buenconsejo noted the completion of DSWD's cash-for-work program for those impacted by Mayon's ashfall, as well as the distribution of 10 kilos of rice from the provincial government.

Farmers like Celestino Bernaldez from Bacacay plan to use the assistance for replanting root crops and covering transportation and fuel costs. Elueda Ba±ares from Santo Domingo intends to allocate the funds for farming expenses and personal needs, including food and vitamins. Lorena Bonganay from Malilipot will use her aid to purchase fertilizer and support other agricultural requirements.

The PAFF program is designed to provide direct cash assistance to eligible farmers and fisherfolk, aiming to mitigate the impact of global market disruptions on their livelihoods.