PAFFP brings gov’t assistance closer to Cabanglasan town farmers

CABANGLASAN, Bukidnon – Farmers from this geographically distant municipality received government assistance through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFFP) Program on June 3, bringing support closer to agricultural communities and helping farmers sustain their livelihoods amid rising production challenges.

A total of 5,253 eligible farmers, comprising 683 rice farmers and 4,570 corn farmers, benefited from the payout activity led by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cabanglasan.

“Kini nga aktibidad wala lang naghatag og financial assistance, kundi mas gipaduol pa gyud ang serbisyo sa gobyerno sa among lugar pinaagi niini nga programa. Busa, dako kaayo among pagpasalamat sa tabang ug grasya nga among nadawat,” said Daylinda C. Dongco, a rice farmer from sitio Bawa, Brgy. Paradise, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

Dongco is among the eligible beneficiaries cultivating not more than two hectares of rice land and enrolled under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Corn and sugarcane farmers may also be qualified provided that they are registered in the RSBSA, while fisherfolk must have duly registered fishing vessels and gear under the BoatR.

Each qualified beneficiary received PhP2,325.00 cash assistance, intended to help ease the burden of increasing production costs and other economic pressures affecting the agri-fishery sector.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the importance of continued support for agricultural programs, noting that additional interventions, such as fertilizer and fuel assistance, are expected in future rollouts. He also encouraged LGUs to assist farmers in completing their RSBSA registration to ensure broader access to government services.

Mayor Bernie C. Castillanes of Cabanglasan, the first municipality in Bukidnon to access the program, expressed gratitude to the DA for bringing the assistance directly to their community. He also urged beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely for both household and farm needs.

The payout is expected to continue in other cities and towns across Bukidnon this week and in the coming weeks.

Under the “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” banner, the department continues its efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, sustain agricultural productivity, and support the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk who play a vital role in ensuring national food security.# (NQA)