Camiguin farmers, fisherfolk receive over PhP1.6-M presidential cash aid through Agri-NorMin

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN— “Bisan pa sa kainit sa adlaw, sa kakusog sa ulan, [ug] sa kakusog sa balod, kamo [nga mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda] gihapon ang nagsiguro nga naay makaon sa matag lamesa sa [matag pamilyang] Pilipino.”

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Agri-NorMin) OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Lana May S. Racines, in her message, lauded the province’s food producers as 703 farmers and fisherfolk in Camiguin received more than PhP1.6-million (M) in financial assistance today, June 8, at the New Camiguin Gymnasium.

The cash grants, distributed under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFFP) program, benefited 703 individuals, comprising of 450 rice farmers, 197 fisherfolk, and 56 corn farmers across the island, with each recipient receiving PhP2,325.00.

With this distribution, Camiguin became the third province in NorMin to roll out the presidential assistance, following initial payouts in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

Among the local government units, the municipality of Mahinog registered the highest turnout with 303 beneficiaries, followed by the capital town of Mambajao with 260. The remaining financial assistance was distributed to 103 producers in Sagay, 19 in Catarman, and 18 in Guinsiliban.

Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Zita M. Abellare thanked local and provincial leaders, as well as the Agri-NorMin for their continued support.

“Hangtod karon, wala gayod hunonga ang mga assistance [nga] sa kadugayon na sa panahon nga gihatag sa atong mga mag-uuma ug mga fisherfolk,” Abellare said. “Ug among gipaninguha ug gihangyo nga unta magpadayon kini aron mapalambo ug matabangan gyud ang atong agri-fishery sector.”

For local producers, the cash assistance serves as a vital cushion against ongoing economic challenges.

“Dako kay ni nga tabang akong nadawat [kay] mapalit nako ni himan sa akong pang-uma, ug [palit] dugang sa abono ug tambal,” local rice farmer Victor A. Orillo shared. “Daghan gyud salamat DA sa pagdumdom sa amo pirmi, ilabi na kay galisod mi karon. Usahay wa mi kabalo asa mi makakuha panggasto kay naa gyud panahon [nga] walang-wala gyud,” he added.

Acknowledging these struggles, Director Racines noted, “Kini nga programa, dili lang basta tabang nato sa atong mga farmers and fisherfolk. Kini usa ka paghinumdom nga nakita sa atong gobyerno [ang] inyong paghago sa uma ug sa kadagatan.”

This collaborative effort between the national and local governments reinforces their commitment to attaining food security and protecting the livelihood and sustainability of the agri-fishery sector in the region.# (JLPC)