Davao city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 in the Davao Region has commenced the distribution of over PHP27 million in aid under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) to 11,644 verified rice and corn farmers in Davao Occidental. The initiative aims to support farmers grappling with the repercussions of the Middle East crisis and a recent earthquake.
According to Philippines News Agency, the distribution kicked off in Malita town on July 22-23 and progressed to Sta. Maria on July 24. Joedel Leliza, the DA-11 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management focal person, explained that each farmer would receive PHP2,325 to mitigate the impact of rising fuel, fertilizer, and commodity prices. The schedule for aid distribution includes Don Marcelino on July 25-26, Jose Abad Santos on July 27-28, and Sarangani on July 27.
Malita has the largest number of beneficiaries, with 5,790 farmers, followed by Don Marcelino with 2,427, Jose Abad Santos with 1,932, Sta. Maria with 1,489, and Sarangani with six. In addition to the PAFFP, Leliza mentioned that DA-11 has initiated measures to assist farmers affected by the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Davao Occidental.
On July 22, DA-11 supplied 20 boxes of 8-in-1 vegetable seeds to help communities rejuvenate their livelihoods and bolster household food security. "Following a disaster, many farmers lose not only crops but also their means of producing food and earning income. These vegetable seeds are easy to plant, require a relatively short growing period, and can provide an early harvest," Leliza remarked.
Additional aid, including corn seeds and 10 kg. of rice per farmer-beneficiary, is slated to follow. Leliza emphasized that this is the initial intervention in DA's ongoing disaster response and rehabilitation efforts, with further support contingent on the assessed needs of the affected farming communities.
Myrna Simbanan, a corn farmer from San Pedro, Sta. Maria, expressed her gratitude to the government for the assistance, highlighting its significant role in helping her family meet their needs.
Source: Philippine News Agency
