To support and uplift the agricultural sector, President Marcos on Thursday personally distributed ₱10,000 in cash assistance to 61,172 farmers and fishers across Western Visayas through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk and their Families (PAFF) program.
This provided a significant boost to communities affected by recent economic challenges and environmental adversities. The ceremonial distribution took place at the Binirayan Sports Complex in Antique, with 10 beneficiaries receiving their aid directly from the President.
The distribution covered various provinces with 7,067 beneficiaries in Antique; 8,293 in Capiz; 11,841 in Guimaras; 5,026 in Aklan; and 30,362 in Iloilo.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of direct engagement, stating, “I want to ensure that the aid from my office reaches the intended beneficiaries, which is why I personally oversee these distributions.”
“Batid namin na kailangan ninyo ng sandigan at kaagapay upang mapagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok na kaakibat ng (We are aware that you need someone to lean and rely on to overcome the challenges of) El Niño,” the President added.
Key cabinet members accompanied the President, including Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (DSWD), Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadato, and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
“This approach, which we call the ‘whole of government’ approach, ensures that initiatives like this one are implemented nationwide, not just by the Department of Agriculture,” added President Marcos.
Assistant Secretary for Television Dale De Vera noted that Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, and Antique each received ₱50 million in assistance, while Guimaras received ₱28 million. Additional support will be provided by the DSWD, DOLE, and other agencies.
Beyond financial aid, President Marcos also led the turnover of farm machinery and equipment such as post-harvest kits, fiber-reinforced plastic boats, bags of seeds, bio-fertilizers, a power sprayer, a multi-cultivator, a four-wheel tractor, a rice combine harvester, floating tillers, and seednuts.
The total value of agricultural and fishing equipment distributed amounts to ₱12,097,000.
Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao expressed her gratitude for the projects and initiatives funded by President Marcos, which have positively impacted the province’s 650,000 residents. These include the Paliwan Bridge, a housing project in Lauan, and a mobile clinic.
Senator Loren Legarda assured continued support for farmers and fishers in Antique.
“As one of the representatives in the Senate from Panay Island provinces, our priority is to help our farmers and fishers. Besides financial assistance, we ensure adequate funding to provide them with equipment and machinery that will significantly aid their production,” added Legarda.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez also distributed five kilos of rice to each of the more than 61,000 beneficiaries.
One beneficiary, Esperidion Maliao from Antique, plans to invest his financial assistance in cattle to improve his livelihood. Maliao is among the over 61,000 farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Western Visayas. Another beneficiary, Rolly Sabansa, thanked the President.
