Farmers and fisherfolk in Dagupan City received cash and agricultural assistance on Friday as the government expanded support programs aimed at easing the impact of rising production costs and economic pressures on rural communities.

Hundreds of beneficiaries gathered for the distribution of cash assistance, rice seeds and fertilizer under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.

Among them was Alex Rosal, a farmer from Barangay Malued, who said the assistance would help reduce farming expenses as fertilizer prices continue to rise.

“Pabor sa amin yun na may maibibigay sa amin ang gobyerno. Mas maganda hindi na huhugutin sa pera, menos gastos,” Rosal said.

Fertilizer now costs about P2,000 per sack, according to beneficiaries.

Fisherfolk also received financial aid. Arcadio Melendez, a fisherman from the island barangay of Lomboy, lined up for a cash grant worth P2,325.

He said the assistance would help his family cope with declining income during the current fishing season.

“Mahalaga sa amin na mahirap ang buhay. Pamibili ng mga bigas, ulam, at pambaon ng bata. Konti lang, matumal kasi yung panahon ngayon,” Melendez said.

Remely Lachica, regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 1, said beneficiaries were selected from registered farmers and fisherfolk databases maintained by local governments.

“Sila po ay RSBSA both registered at fisherfolk registered sa ating local government unit. Nagbibigay tayo ng assistance sa kanila dahil panahon ngayon ng krisis,” Lachica said.

Authorities said the assistance program will continue across provinces in Region 1 as part of efforts to support the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Lachica said the region is targeting 17,700 beneficiaries under the program, with funding exceeding P41 million.

“For Region 1, nag total target natin is 17,700 so that's about [P]41 million plus. We started this in Agno, Pangasinan. Sila po yung second sa pinakamalaki, that's about 773 fisherfolk,” she said.

Officials said the program aims to provide immediate relief to farmers and fisherfolk while helping sustain food production and livelihoods in the region.