CASH ASSISTANCE. Farmers from the municipalities of Pandan and Caramoran in Catanduanes line up to receive cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program of the Department of Agriculture on Thursday (April 30, 2026). A total of 1,257 beneficiaries from the two municipalities were among the first to receive PHP2,325 each. (Photo courtesy of DA Bicol)
The distribution of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) commenced in Catanduanes on Thursday, benefiting qualified rice and corn farmers in the province.
At least 1,257 beneficiaries from the municipalities of Pandan and Caramoran received PHP2,325 each in the initial distribution of cash assistance.
In total, some 6,871 farmers and fisherfolk in Catanduanes are targeted to receive the assistance, amounting to PHP15.9 million.
The remaining 5,614 beneficiaries from other municipalities are expected to receive their cash assistance in the coming days.
Among the recipients was Jovita de Castro of Pandan, who expressed gratitude for the government’s support.
“We thank our President. This is a big help for us,” de Castro said.
The PAFF is a government program that provides direct financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk to cushion the impact of global market disruptions on their livelihoods and production.
Meanwhile, in a social media post, Catanduanes Governor Patrick Azanza announced that the distribution of 17,400 sacks of rice under the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program will also be implemented in the province, offering rice at PHP20 per kilogram.
“Up to the barangay level, there is an allocation, so there is no need to travel to Virac and line up at the NFA Office. Just wait for the announcement of the schedule in each municipality,” he said in a statement.
A total of 315 barangays from 11 municipalities are expected to benefit from the program.
Allocations per municipality include 3,097 sacks for Virac; 1,938 for San Andres; 1,682 for Baras; 1,612 for Viga; 1,593 each for Bato and Caramoran; 1,326 for Pandan; 1,296 for San Miguel; 1,265 for Panganiban; 828 for Bagamanoc; and 360 for Gigmoto.
Under the program, a maximum of 10 kilograms may be purchased per transaction. Priority sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, Department of Social Welfare and Development beneficiaries, including 4Ps members, may avail up to 30 kilograms per month.
At the same time, fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, minimum wage earners, and Department of Education teaching and non-teaching personnel may purchase up to 10 kilograms per month.
Farmers and farm workers, meanwhile, are allowed to purchase up to 50 kilograms of rice per month under the program. (PNA)