The Albay provincial government on Monday distributed PHP2.1 million in cash assistance to 1,153 farmers, fisherfolk and public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Legazpi City under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The payout covered 409 PUJ drivers, who received PHP1,500 each, and 529 farmers and 215 fisherfolk, each receiving PHP2,000.

During the activity, Ma. Vivien Cea, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PWSDO), said the payout marked the final day of the AICS assistance distribution, which began on Aug. 4.

Cea said the assistance aims to help ordinary Albayanos cope with rising prices of basic commodities and other financial difficulties.

“This assistance is important for our PUJ drivers, fishermen, and farmers. Through this assistance, we hope to help Albay residents with their needs,” Cea said.

Cea added that the list of PUJ driver beneficiaries was obtained from their respective local government units, while the names of farmers and fisherfolk were provided by the city’s agriculture offices.

PUJ drivers Garry Abrigo, 38, of Barangay Mariawa, and Junnar Mella, 49, of Barangay Gov. Reynolds, both in Legazpi City, said the assistance would help augment their daily fuel expenses amid rising diesel prices.

Abrigo said the PHP1,500 assistance would help cover part of his gasoline expenses for his daily trips, while Mella stated the aid would also provide additional support for his family, particularly because he has two children in college and one in elementary school.

Leny Peñarubia, 58, of Barangay Bagacay, said the PHP2,000 assistance would help her family cope with the effects of extreme heat and low copra prices.

Peñarubia, who farms in an upland area, said intense heat reduced her copra production, resulting in smaller copra yields while prices remained low.

“This is a big help because I can use it to meet my family’s needs. I can also think of an alternative livelihood where I can use the cash,” she said.

Aurora Millete, 69, of Barangay Estanza, said the assistance would help her family when their crops fail to yield enough food.

“This is a big help to us in our farming. It will help our family, especially when our crops do not yield enough,” Millete said.

Also, from Barangay Estanza, farmer Shermine Millete, 32, said the PHP2,000 assistance would help her family buy food and care for their chickens while her husband recovers from a recent surgery.

“My husband recently underwent surgery and cannot yet fully return to work, so this is already a big help to us,” she said.

Meanwhile, fisherman Ronel Artiaga, 27, of Barangay Maslog, Legazpi City, said the assistance would help his family during periods of bad weather when he cannot go to sea.

“It is a big help to us. We can use it to buy rice and household necessities,” Artiaga said.

The AICS program assists individuals and families experiencing crisis situations and needing support for their immediate needs. (PNA)