BANGUED, Abra, (PIA) — More than 4,000 farmers across the province received P10,000 each from the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFFF) in a two-day payout at Abra Sport Complex here.
Abra Agricultural Program Coordinating Office head Dr. Rosemarie Tesoro explained that the program aims to alleviate the impact of El Niño phenomenon to farmers and fisherfolk in the province.
“This program aims to provide financial support and resources to communities affected by El Niño, that caused severe drought and negatively impacted the livelihoods of many in the agriculture and fisheries sector,” she explained.
The farmer-beneficiaries are those who registered at the Registration System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture of DA.
She emphasized that the Marcos administration supports all the endeavor of local farmers as they are the ones feeding every Filipino family.
Farmer Marcela Beleno came all the way from the remote barangay of Tiempo in the municipality of Tubo to get her cash assistance. She said that she needs financial support as she experienced drastic loss of harvest last year.
“Namnamaaek nga mayat ti apit ngem 20 nga sako lang piman ti naapit ko. Dati umabot ti 50 to 60 nga sako nu saan nga natikag ken nu adu ti bugaso. Isu nga dakkel unay ti yaman ko,” Beleno said.
[I hope for a good harvest but sadly I only got 20 sacks. Before, I am harvesting around 50 to 60 sacks of rice if there was no drought and there are plenty of fertilizer. So, I am very thankful.]
Jose Arce Blase, a beneficiary from Villaviciosa town. He said that he will use the cash assistance for his medical check-up. Despite is condition, Blasé said that he continues to farm to support his family’s daily needs.
“Masapul ko latta met ti agtalon uray narigat nak makakitan tapnu adda latta ti kanen mi. Usarek daytoy inted da kaniak nga cash tapnu agpa-check-up so thank you kenni President,” Blase said.
[I still need to farm despite of mild blindness so that we can have food. I will use this cash for a check, so thank you President] (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)
