AKLAN – A total of 4,827 farmers, fisherfolk, and families reeling from the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in this province have received financial assistance from the Office of the President.
Under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program, the beneficiaries received P10,000 each during the recent four-day payout facilitated by the provincial government.
The assistance was part of the P50-million fund given to the province, which was handed over to Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Antique in June.
For the first batch of the payout on July 30 at the ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo town, a total of 1,048 beneficiaries from the 1st District municipalities of Banga, Kalibo, Madalag, and New Washington received the financial aid.
In the afternoon of the same day, 1,445 beneficiaries from the 2nd District towns of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia, and Tangalan got cash assistance.
The third batch, composed of 1,485 recipients from Altavas and Batan towns, received their financial aid at Villa Socorro Bypass Road in Altavas.
The 849 farmers and fisherfolk from Makato town received the PAFFF during the fourth payout on August 15.
Gov. Miraflores, who led the PAFFF cash aid distribution, thanked the President for the assistance.
The governor also acknowledged the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for their efforts to make the payout a success.
In addition, Gov. Miraflores advised the recipients to spend the money to replace their crops damaged by the long dry spell.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said that the release of assistance for the families of the deceased will take place at a separate date. Requirements for qualified beneficiaries will be communicated to them soon. (PIA)
