DUMAGUETE CITY - The provincial government of Negros Oriental has so far distributed rice assistance to about 6,788 farmers who were badly hit by the El Niño-triggered drought to tide them over while recouping their losses. The latest distribution was in Sta. Catalina town on Monday, Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) chief Emmanuel Caduyac said Tuesday. Governor Manuel Sagarbarria led the distribution of 25-kilo rice bags each to 2,000 beneficiaries in that southern town, alongside local officials, he said. This is the 6th area for rice assistance from the provincial government, with funds amounting to PHP20 million and charged to the Quick Response Fund of the province's Calamity Fund. Earlier rice distribution to beneficiaries included those in Dauin (1,000); Zamboanguita (1,000); Bais City (288); Tanjay City (2,000); and Mabinay (500). Caduyac said distribution of the rice assistance is set in Bindoy and Ayungon on Thursday. A report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier said some 22,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the provice were hit by the El Niño. Source: Philippines News Agency