Some 161 out of the total 1,034 eligible farmers and fisherfolk in this city received Monday cash and food subsidy from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ilocos Regional Office (BFAR-RO1).

In an interview, Mayor Marc Brian Lim said the beneficiaries who belong to the indigent or marginalized sector were identified by the BFAR-RO1 in coordination with the city government.

“Each of the farmers and fisherfolk received PHP3,000 cash and PHP2,000 worth of food items like rice, chicken, and eggs,” Lim said.

The first batch of recipients were from barangays Bacayao Norte, Bonuan Binloc, Bolosan, Bacayao Sur, and Bonuan Boquig.

The other beneficiaries who are set to receive the subsidy in the coming days are from barangays Bonuan Gueset, Calmay, Carael, Lomboy, Lucao, Pantal, Pugaro, Salapingao, and Tapuac.

Meanwhile, Lim said the city government is reaching out to other national government agencies and some senators to be able to provide subsidies to indigent Dagupeños from other sectors.

“Senator Francis Pangilinan allocated PHP5 million for agricultural purposes; Senator Joel Villanueva PHP2 million for the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program; Senator Risa Hontiveros PHP1 million for medical assistance through the Region 1 Medical Center; and Senator Lawrence Christopher Go with still undisclosed amount through the Department of Social Welfare and Development for other sectors and for food,” he said. (PNA)