Government support for the agriculture sector is gaining ground as cash aid, farm inputs, and logistics assistance are being rolled out nationwide to sustain production and protect farmers’ incomes, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported Wednesday.

During the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee hearing, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency started distributing aid under its PHP10-billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFFP), reaching 90,898 beneficiaries as of April 28, with a target of over 4.17 million farmers and fisherfolk.

“Meron kaming (We have) PAFFP… we have already started distribution. As of the moment, we have distributed to 90,898 farmers and fisher folks,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA is also advancing preparations for the wet planting season, with 86 percent or PHP9.34 billion worth of hybrid seed allocation already secured for distribution, alongside PHP4.71 billion in fertilizer support expected to be rolled out in time for cropping.

“’Yung (The) hybrid seeds… PHP9.34 billion has already been obligated… just in time for the planting season,” he said.

Support programs for other commodities are likewise underway, including corn seed and fertilizer distribution, as well as assistance for high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables.

Tiu Laurel said logistics support is being strengthened through the mobilization of DA-owned hauling trucks, although capacity remains limited.

“So kulang talaga ‘yung truck namin (We really lack trucks)… we just have to be a little bit more creative,” he said.

Parallel interventions are also being implemented to stabilize food supply and improve access.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program has generated PHP3 billion in sales and served nearly 10 million households, while the PHP20 rice initiative under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na has benefited more than 6.1 million consumers nationwide.

Tiu Laurel said it is continuing to coordinate with other agencies under the government’s UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) program to sustain production, improve distribution, and cushion the impact of rising input costs on the agriculture sector. (PNA)