Nearly a thousand rice and corn farmers in Dinagat Islands have received financial support through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) during two days of payout activities.

Of the total 986 beneficiaries in the province, 624 were from the town of Basilisa while 362 were from Cagdianao.

Each beneficiary received PHP2,235 in cash assistance, with more than PHP2.2 million released during the payout activities.

Mariano Imper, 48, a corn farmer from Basilisa, underscored the importance of the PAFFP aid, especially during difficult times.

“While waiting for harvest, family needs are a must, especially for my children,” Imper said in an interview Wednesday.

He thanked the government, particularly the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Office of the President, for the initiative.

Nelson Cortes, 36, a rice farmer from Cagdianao, said he plans to use part of the assistance for farm implements while allocating the rest for his family’s needs.

In a separate statement Wednesday, DA-13 said the PAFFP is a national government program designed to support the needs of farmers and fisherfolk across the country.

“It is aimed to support farmers and increase their production amid the rising costs of farm inputs,” DA-13 said.

The agency added that more payout activities are scheduled in other parts of the region. (PNA)