First batch of cash aid to sugarcane farmers released in Negros Occidental —DA-SRA

The Department of Agriculture-Sugar Regulatory Administration (DA-SRA) on Saturday said the first batch of the approved assistance for sugarcane farmers under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) was released in two municipalities in Negros Occidental.

In a news release, the DA-SRA said the initial release in Victorias last April 16, 2026 covered 1,469 farmers, followed by another group in Murcia on April 17, 2026. 

Funded under the 2026 General Appropriations Act or Republic Act No. 12314, the PAFFP was designed for the distribution of P2,325 cash assistance each to more than 4.17 million beneficiaries across the country. It is a cash aid initiative aimed at providing a critical financial cushion for agricultural producers grappling with volatile fuel and production costs.

Of the P10-billion PAFF, P240 million was approved for 102,237 sugarcane farmers. A total of 70,415 farmer recipients are from the Visayas, with 56,400 of them coming from the Negros Island Region which accounts for more than 60% of the Philippines' sugar producers.

“The much-needed assistance for sugar farmers is another first, as sugar farmers are usually not included in assistance programs,” said SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona.

The first batch of release was done in the presence of Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, DA Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo, and SRA chief Azcona.

A total of 13,588 farmers in the third district of Negros Occidental under the jurisdiction of Benitez have been identified to benefit from the PAFF, according to the DA-SRA.

The Department of Agriculture previously said the financial assistance intervention comes at a critical time as rising petroleum prices have significantly increased the cost of operating irrigation pumps, farm machinery, and fishing vessels, thinning the profit margins of rural workers.

“This financial assistance, while admittedly small, provides a lifeline for over 4.1 million Filipino farmers and fisherfolk hit hard by soaring petroleum product prices,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. —KG, GMA News