The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) started the payout of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program in Bacacay on Wednesday, providing PHP2,325 in cash assistance to 2,890 beneficiaries from the municipalities of the province.

Florentino Ubalde Jr., DA-5 Bicol agricultural program coordinating officer for Albay, said the beneficiaries include 1,717 farmers from Bacacay, 333 from Malilipot and 840 from Santo Domingo.

“Today is our jumpstart for our PAFF caravan covering the municipalities of Bacacay, Malilipot, and Sto. Domingo,” Ubalde said.

Ubalde added that more than 38,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the program by the end of May.

He also clarified that DA is currently covering only rice and corn farmers, while sugarcane farmers will receive assistance through the Sugar Regulatory Administration and fisherfolk through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Daryl John Buenconsejo, head of the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and national government agencies for extending various forms of assistance to farmers, particularly those affected by Mayon Volcano’s ongoing unrest.

“There is a lot of assistance being given to us coming from the national government, and we are grateful for that,” he said.

Buenconsejo said that among the aid farmers and residents received is the ongoing cash relief transfer from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He added that DSWD’s cash-for-work program for residents affected by Mayon’s ashfall, as well as the distribution of 10 kilos of rice from the provincial government of Albay, have already been completed.

Celestino Bernaldez, a farmer from Bacacay, said he plans to use the cash assistance for replanting root crops during the dry season, with the remaining amount covering transportation and fuel expenses.

Elueda Bañares, a farmer from Santo Domingo, said she will use the money for farming expenses and personal needs.

“I will use the money for replanting, farming expenses, and also for food and vitamins since I live alone,” Bañares said.

Lorena Bonganay, a farmer from Malilipot, also said she plans to use the assistance to buy fertilizer and support other farming needs.

The program aims to provide direct cash assistance to qualified farmers and fisherfolk to help ease the effects of global market disruptions on their livelihoods. (PNA)