Caraga: The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) plans to release financial aid to 70,428 qualified rice and corn farmers next week as part of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-13 revealed data indicating a total allocation of PHP203,797,875 under the PAFFP, aimed at benefiting 103,325 farmers and fisherfolk in the Caraga region. Of these beneficiaries, approximately 87,655 are rice and corn farmers, while 15,670 belong to the fishery sector.

"As of May this year, the agency has validated 70,428 rice and corn farmers as qualified to receive the assistance starting next week out of the 87,655 target," DA-13 stated. The department also noted that these farmers are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Each rice and corn sector beneficiary is set to receive PHP2,325 in financial aid through the PAFFP.

The distribution of qualified rice and corn farmers is as follows: 7,118 from Agusan del Norte, 25,613 from Agusan del Sur, 10,244 from Surigao del Norte, 19,617 from Surigao del Sur, 3,098 from Dinagat Islands, and 4,738 from Butuan City. Validation for fisherfolk beneficiaries is still underway across the region.

The agency highlighted that the PAFFP financial assistance aims to support farmers and fisherfolk impacted by rising fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East. DA-13 is collaborating with local government units and other agencies to ensure a smooth and prompt distribution of the assistance.