Farmers and Fisherfolk to Receive Cash Assistance Amid Middle East Oil Crisis
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that farmers and fisherfolk will receive cash assistance this April in response to the rising oil prices caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. According to Director Lorna Belinda Calda of the DA, farmers who use tractors will receive P5,000, while fisherfolk with motorized boats will get P3,000.
Funding and Beneficiary Details
The DA has allocated P100 million for this program, which is expected to benefit approximately 14,400 farmers and 15,669 fisherfolk. In addition, there is a separate P10 billion fund under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk, set to be released this April, which will support 4.217 million beneficiaries.
Additional Financial Support
Furthermore, farmers will receive P3,200 each from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Funds through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA). This additional aid aims to bolster the agricultural sector during this challenging period.
Government Preparedness and Future Plans
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pledged to assist minimum wage earners and the middle class if the crisis persists into June and July. While no specific plans have been finalized for which sectors will benefit next, the DSWD has assured that funds are ready.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has confirmed that the government has sufficient funds to address the impacts of the Middle East crisis and other calamities, especially with the onset of the rainy season in June.
