Farmers and fisherfolk can expect over ₱2,000 each as cash aid from the Department of Agriculture (DA) starting Wednesday, April 15, said DA Chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
When asked about the ₱10 billion released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the DA to disburse as aid to the agriculture and fisheries sectors, Tiu Laurel told in an interview at DZRH's Dos Por Dos that the payout will begin tomorrow, and that 4.175 million eligible beneficiaries will receive ₱2,325 each.
“Tomorrow ang roll out nun—April 15, bukas. This is for 4.175 million beneficiaries, of which 2.1 million will be rice farmers na nasa RSBSA (Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture), ‘yung two hectares and below; 1.472 million corn farmers, tapos mayro’ng 102,000 sugar farmers—sa Negros at Bukidnon ‘yun—at 399,000 na beneficiaries sa fisheries sector na mga gumagamit ng mot0rized banca. Lalabas ‘yan, nasa ₱2,325 kada beneficiary,” he revealed.
The DA chief said they will distribute the financial assistance manually. He assured that the nationwide program has predetermined beneficiaries and that a scheduling system has been put in place to avoid unnecessarily long queues.
“Hopefully, within 30 days, ma-disburse namin lahat,” he said.
Farmers and fisherfolk can claim their cash aid from their local government offices and Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs), as well as the regional DA offices, Tiu Laurel said.
He clarified that only farmers and fishermen eligible for the cash aid are those registered with the RSBSA and are in “good standing.”
If the Middle East crisis and the consequent oil crisis continue, Tiu Laurel said the agency has requested ₱1 billion as a quick response fund and another ₱7 billion.
“Mayroon pa kaming ni-request na ₱1 billion sa quick response fund for fuel subsidy rin… But besides that mayroon pa kaming ₱7 billion na nire-request sa RCEF (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund) fund, ano, for rice farmers ulit ‘yun… magkakaroon ng at least ₱3,000 per beneficiary,” he said.
During Tiu Laurel’s visits, province locals would appeal for support, especially fisherfolk, as fuel prices have gone up, directly impacting their livelihood, he shared.
Meanwhile, farmers are concerned about the rise in fertilizer prices. In the mountain provinces, farmers have expressed misgivings over freight costs, with fuel prices having doubled. Onion farmers, Tiu Laurel disclosed, have the same concern.
Fertilizer, which was previously at around ₱1,650, has increased to ₱2,700. According to the Fertilizer Association of the Philippines and based on the DA’s analysis, the country has enough fertilizer to last farmers until the end of June. Additionally, incoming orders from companies importing their fertilizers are also expected to arrive.
The country, Tiu Laurel said, has until the end of August to replenish fertilizer supplies.
