CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Thousands of farmers and fisherfolks in Central Luzon received cash and food subsidy from Department of Agriculture (DA).

DA Regional Director Crispulo Bautista Jr. said the aid aims to provide direct food and financial assistance worth PhP5,000 per farmer or fisherfolk.

"Each beneficiary will receive PhP3,000 financial aid and PhP2,000 food subsidy which include eggs, poultry, and rice," Bautista shared.

He added that eligible recipients are those registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

In Central Luzon, target beneficiaries include 979 corn farmers; 2,632 coconut farmers; 968 sugarcane farmers; 2,261 indigenous farmers; and 10,200 fisherfolks.

During the distribution of aid, beneficiary Herlene Marie Santiago of Anao, Tarlac expressed gratitude for the assistance she received.

"This assistance from DA is really a great help to us, and is very much needed, especially since we are currently undergoing crisis brought about the pandemic and recent typhoons. I am very grateful to have been among the chosen beneficiaries," she said.

Bambang Multipurpose Cooperative of Candaba, Pampanga Chairperson Baltazar Payawal Jr., who is one of the poultry suppliers for the food subsidy, said they joined this project because they want to help DA provide aid to their fellow farmers and fisherfolks.

"While helping others, this also helps our cooperative earn more for our member-farmers," he said.

A budget of PhP4.5 billion was allocated for the project nationwide.

DA partnered with Sugarcane Regulatory Administration, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority and Development Bank of the Philippines in the implementation of this project. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)