MAASIN CITY-Some 3,824 farmers and fisherfolk in the province of Southern Leyte received P10,000 each in cash assistance through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The amount disbursed amounted to more than P37 million. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) implemented the cash assistance in partnership with the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
As of July 17, eleven local government units (LGUs) in the province had already conducted the PAFFFF payouts.
This includes the municipalities of Hinunangan, Liloan, Malitbog, Limasawa, Padre Burgos, San Francisco, Libagon, Anahawan, Hinundayan, Silago, and the City of Maasin.
The provincial LGU reported that the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte distributed 5 kilograms of rice to all PAFFF recipients in addition to the cash aid.
The beneficiary has signed a document confirming receipt of the cash assistance. (Photo courtesy of the provincial government)
The cash assistance was first released on July 4, at Palo, Leyte, during the president’s visit and will continue until July 22.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will announce the following schedule for the distribution of financial aid, as clarified by the provincial LGU.
The PAFFF program is a component of the ‘Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita’ (AKAP) program implemented by the DSWD.
It aims to offer social assistance to individuals who may not have access to regular aid forms because they do not belong to the poorest population.
It also addresses the adverse impact of the El Nino phenomenon, especially in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The Provincial Social Welfare office personnel ensured that each recipient received 5 kilos of rice as part of the province’s relief efforts. Vice Gov. Rosa Emilia Mercado supervised the distribution, wearing a pink attire. (Photo courtesy of the provincial government)
Maajo na lang nakapamajad-bajad sa mga utang, nakapamalit sa mga kinahanglan sa pamilya,” said Jocelyn, the wife of Rodel Luncin from Brgy. Combado, Maasin City, one of the beneficiaries, said this when asked for her reaction.
(It was good for us to pay off our debts and buy some items for family needs.)
Another Combado fisherman stated that he gave more than three-quarters of his earnings to his wife, and the remainder was spent on a celebration to mark the unexpected government support.
(MMP, PIA Southern Leyte)
