Negros Occ. gov’t begins aid distribution to farmers, fisherfolk

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has initiated the distribution of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and their Families (PAFFF) in the province.

Lacson received the P50 million PAFFF fund for the province from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a recent visit, intended for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

The first batch of PAFFF aid recipients are from the first district of the province.

A total of P12,430,000 in financial assistance was distributed to farmers from the municipalities of Calatrava, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Toboso, and the cities of Escalante and San Carlos on Wednesday, July 17.

Each of the 1,243 farmers in these localities received P10,000.

The provincial government also distributed food packs to the beneficiaries.

The second batch includes farmers and fisherfolk from the fourth district of the province, including Bago City, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Enrique, and Valladolid.

A total of P5,350,000 was distributed to PAFFF beneficiaries at the Bago City Coliseum on Thursday.

Assisting the governor with the distribution in Bago City were 4th District Board Member Andrew Martin Torres, 3rd District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, and other local officials.

Earlier, Lacson said that the comprehensive aid provided by the President, including financial support, agricultural inputs, infrastructure development, improved irrigation systems, technical assistance, and livelihood support, will undoubtedly recharge and revitalize the agricultural sector despite the drought.