The Department of Agriculture plans to distribute a P10-billion fund under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program to provide cash aid to 4.175 million beneficiaries beginning April 6, aiming to support agricultural workers affected by calamities.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans to release a P10-billion fund allocated by the Office of the President for the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) Program starting the week of April 6, 2026. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated during the Senate PROTECT committee hearing that some 4.175 million beneficiaries will receive cash aid averaging P2,325 each. These beneficiaries include 2.197 million rice farmers owning two hectares or less, 1.475 million individuals from the corn industry, 102,000 sugar industry workers, and 399,000 fishermen operating motorboats. The Department awaits the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) expected from the Department of Budget and Management by April 2 to proceed. Earlier smaller fuel subsidies from previous years began releasing on March 19, benefiting about 25,000 recipients, with plans for further releases reaching approximately 4,000 beneficiaries. Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo confirmed the P10 billion fund’s release during the same hearing. The PAFF Program aims to extend direct cash assistance of about P10,000 to agricultural workers to aid in recovering from natural calamities such as typhoons and El Niño.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/981177/da-eyes-release-of-p10-b-assistance-for-farmers-fishers-starting-april-6/story/
