Cash aid for Agusan Norte farmers, fisherfolk underway; more support eyed
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Coordination
meeting between the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga and the Congressional
District Office of Rep. Dale B. Corvera held on April 27, 2026 to discuss the
preparations for the rollout of cash assistance to farmers and fisherfolk under
the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) in Agusan del
Norte. (Photo courtesy of the Congressional District Office of Rep. Dale B.
Corvera/Hala Bira sa Kongreso) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Over 15,000 farmers and fisherfolk beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte have been identified to receive cash relief assistance, as preparations are in full swing for the rollout. Provincial leaders and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga are intensifying coordination ahead of its implementation this May.
The initiative forms part of the national government’s Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF), in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide timely and targeted interventions to vulnerable sectors affected by global economic pressures, including rising fuel prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven up transportation and production costs.
A coordination meeting held on April 27 between the Congressional District Office of Rep. Dale B. Corvera and DA Caraga focused on ensuring the efficient and orderly distribution of assistance across the province.
Under the program, each qualified beneficiary will receive P2,325, forming part of a broader assistance package targeting more than 4 million farmers and fisherfolk nationwide. Beneficiaries must be registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), consistent with national government directives emphasizing data-driven, transparent, and well-targeted delivery of social protection programs.
DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. underscored the agency’s commitment to ensuring smooth implementation.
“We are closely coordinating with our local government units and partners to ensure that the distribution of assistance will be efficient, transparent, and timely for our farmers and fisherfolk,” RED Oñate said.
Provincial leaders likewise emphasized the importance of aligning local initiatives with national directives in addressing the economic challenges affecting the agriculture sector.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante underscored the need for a unified response.
“As one leadership in Agusan del Norte, we are committed to complementing national government efforts by identifying additional support mechanisms to help our farmers and fisherfolk cope with current economic challenges,” Gov. Amante said.
Rep. Corvera, for his part, stressed the importance of swift implementation in support of national government efforts.“This initiative is a crucial support for our agricultural sector. We will continue to work closely with the DA and our LGUs to ensure that the assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries without delay,”
Among the additional support measures being considered are fuel and rice assistance for fisherfolk, and fertilizer support for farmers, aligned with the national government’s thrust to strengthen food security and sustain agricultural productivity amid rising input costs.
Meanwhile, the province’s program on ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) which started on April 13, continues to operate along key routes in Cabadbaran City and nearby municipalities, and is expected to run for two months as part of the local government’s effort to ease the burden on commuters. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
