Koronadal city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 (Soccsksargen) has distributed PHP7.9 million in cash assistance to more than 3,400 farmers and fisherfolk across the provinces of North Cotabato and South Cotabato. This initiative, part of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), took place on Wednesday, aiming to address the challenges posed by rising fuel, input, and production costs, while bolstering rural livelihoods and food security.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA-12 Regional Executive Director John B. Pascual emphasized the importance of the program, which seeks to provide direct financial relief to registered agricultural workers and fishers in the region. In Antipas, North Cotabato, a total of PHP3,178,275 was distributed among 1,367 beneficiaries, each receiving PHP2,325. Beneficiary Aling Eping expressed the significant impact of this assistance during a radio interview, describing it as a "great relief for the high cost of living."
In Banga, South Cotabato, the distribution caravan took place at the town municipal gymnasium, where PHP4,770,900 was allocated to 2,052 farmers and fisherfolk. The recipients hailed from various villages including Rang-ay, Kusan, Liwanay, Punong Grande, Rizal Poblacion, Benitez, Cabuling, Barrio 5, and Cabudian.
Pascual noted that similar cash aid distributions are planned for other municipalities within the Soccsksargen region, further extending support to the agricultural community.
