• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugarcane farmers in several local government units in Negros Occidental who were affected by soaring petroleum product prices have availed of financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture.
Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, Department of Agriculture regional director for Negros Island Region, said each beneficiary will receive P2,325.
The DA started rolling out a P10-billion cash assistance for about 4.17 million registered agricultural workers under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).
The program aims to improve cash flow into rural communities affected by rising fuel costs and help prevent disruptions in local farm production, as most agricultural machinery, irrigation pumps, and boats are fueled by diesel.
Initial payout of the cash assistance started on Thursday in Cadiz City, Manapla, Victorias City, and E.B. Magalona, while about 2,800 sugarcane farmers received the financial aid on Friday in Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto. Similar assistance will be received by sugarcane farmers today in cities of Talisay and Silay, disclosed Negros Occidental 3rd district Representative Javier Miguel Benitez on Thursday.
Barrogo said also targeted as beneficiaries are rice and corn farmers tilling two hectares and below, under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
Fisherfolk registered under the National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration (BoatR) and the RSBSA will also receive financial aid, according to the Agriculture department.*
