DSWD distributes P1.37-B aid to farmers, fisherfolk affected by El Niño
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed P1.37 billion in aid under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFFF) program for those affected by El Niño.
The assistance was aimed at mitigating the impact of the climate phenomenon on agricultural communities across the country.
As of July 1, 137,333 beneficiaries in Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City), and Caraga Region have each received P10,000.
The PAFFF provides unconditional cash assistance to help farmers and fisherfolk recover from economic losses caused by El Niño.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said that the beneficiaries are those who may not have access to regular forms of assistance because they do not belong to the poorest population.
In addition to cash assistance, the DSWD is also providing food packs to families and individuals affected by El Niño.
Based on DSWD data, 1.6 million families, or 6.1 million individuals, have been affected by the climate phenomenon.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture reported that El Niño-related agricultural damage amounted to P9.89 billion, covering 170,469 hectares and affecting 173,455 farmers and fisherfolk across 12 regions as of June 10.