TACLOBAN CITY — Thousands of rice farmers in Basey, Samar have received government cash assistance aimed at easing the burden of rising farm input and fuel costs, as part of ongoing efforts to sustain agricultural productivity in rural communities.
A total of 3,489 farmers benefited from the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), with each recipient receiving P2,325 in unconditional cash aid.
The two-day payout, conducted at the Basey municipal gymnasium, released more than P8.11 million in total assistance.
The distribution was led by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8, targeting farmers affected by increasing production expenses, particularly fuel, which is essential for operating farm machinery and transporting goods.
Farmer-beneficiary Guillermo Jadloc Jr. said the financial assistance would help cover day-to-day farming expenses, including minor repairs of equipment.
“Dako an maibubulig hini sugad han mga gudti namon nga baraydan ha pag-uma o sugad han mga taglagudti na araydon han amon mga makinarya. Damo nga salamat han pagpaabot hini ha amon,” he said.
He added that the continued rise in fuel prices has limited their ability to maximize farm operations, further increasing their production costs.
Another beneficiary, Jacquilyn Bacha, shared that registering under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) allowed her family to access government support following years of financial struggle.
“Makuri an hadto nga waray pa kami nakakarawat nga assistance. Labi na an nangingiskwela pa an akon mga anak. Sariling sikap la. Kamatay han akon asawa, asya an akon pakaparegister han RSBSA ngan nakakarawat hin cash assistance,” she said.
Agriculture officials said strict validation and verification procedures were conducted during the payout to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries received assistance.
The PAFFP is part of the national government’s broader intervention to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the agriculture sector and help farmers maintain productivity despite economic challenges.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
