The Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) continued the distribution of financial assistance provided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to 4,155 farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

In an interview on Tuesday, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Daryl John Buenconsejo said the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families payout were conducted on Monday for 3,155 farmers and on Tuesday for 1,000 fisherfolk at Bicol University here.

“Each beneficiary received PHP10,000 in cash aid that can be used to help their livelihood and immediate needs,” Buenconsejo said.

He said the farmer beneficiaries are from Pioduran, Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Guinobatan, Jovellar, Camalig and Daraga.

The fisherfolk are from Tiwi, Malinao, Tabaco, Malilipot, Bacacay and Sto. Domingo.

Buenconsejo said the beneficiaries were endorsed by their local government unit offices to the Department of Agriculture-Bicol.

Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman thanked President Marcos for the financial assistance provided to the farmers and fishers.

“Our APAO is always coordinating with our municipal and city agriculture offices. They are working together to monitor and assess the status of our farmers and fisherfolk. This assistance is what they need for the losses they incurred because of the El Niño phenomenon,” he said.

Arlene Cabitana Viñas, a beneficiary from Barangay Santicon, Polangui, said the financial assistance is a big help for her family.

“We will use it as an additional fund for the next planting. Thank you, President Marcos and Governor Lagman for giving us our needs,” she said.

Rosemarie Rellamarequenala from the same town said the financial assistance is timely as she has a child with medical needs.

President Marcos provided financial assistance to the different provinces of Bicol Region during his visit in Camarines Sur and Albay provinces on June 7.

He handed over PHP10.28 million to Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla and PHP50 million to Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte during the distribution of land titles, support services, and financial assistance in Pili, Camarines Sur.

Also, PHP41.55 million went to Lagman; PHP10.23 million to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua; PHP36.79 million to Masbate Governor Antonio Kho; and PHP13 million to Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor in Legazpi City for their constituents’ needs. (PNA)