• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugarcane farmers in several local government units in Negros Occidental hit hard by soaring fuel prices have availed of financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
DA-Negros Island Region Director Jose Albert Barrogo said each beneficiary receives P2,325.
The DA has started rolling out a P10-billion cash assistance for about 4.17 million registered agricultural workers under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.
The program aims to improve cash flow into rural communities affected by rising fuel costs and help prevent disruptions in local farm production as most agricultural machinery, irrigation pumps, and boats are fueled by diesel.
Initial payout started in Cadiz City, Victorias City, Manapla, and E.B. Magalona on April 16 while about 2,800 sugarcane farmers received the financial aid in Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto on Friday, April 17.
Similar assistance will also be received by sugarcane farmers in the cities of Talisay and Silay Saturday.
Barrogo said also targeted as beneficiaries are rice and corn farmers tilling two hectares and below under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
Fisherfolk registered under the National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration and the RSBSA will also receive financial aid. | GB
