P240 Million in Initial Aid Distributed to Sugarcane Farmers in Negros Occidental
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have officially released the first batch of approved financial assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers (PAFF) program. This initial distribution, totaling P240 million, was conducted on April 16, 2026, in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, marking a significant step in supporting the agricultural sector.
Key Details of the Assistance Distribution
The event was attended by key officials, including Third District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez, DA-Negros Island Region Director Albert Barrogo, and Sugar Regulatory Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona. The assistance benefits a total of 102,237 sugarcane farmers across the country, with a substantial focus on the Visayas region.
Specifically, 70,415 farmers from Visayas are included in this batch, of which 56,400 hail from the Negros Island Region (NIR). This region accounts for more than 60 percent of the nation's sugar producers, highlighting its critical role in the sugar industry.
Historical Context and Official Statements
Azcona emphasized that this assistance is particularly noteworthy, as sugar farmers have historically been excluded from many aid programs. He expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, and Congressman Benitez for their roles in securing this support.
"For this, I am very thankful to the President, to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, and to Congressman Benitez for including this appeal in his privilege speech," Azcona stated. The aid is targeted at farmers registered with the DA, SRA, and the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
Distribution Timeline and Beneficiary Breakdown
The initial release in Victorias City assisted 1,469 farmers, followed by another distribution in Murcia on April 17, 2026. In the Third District of Negros Occidental alone, a total of 13,588 farmers have been identified as beneficiaries under this program, underscoring the localized impact of the initiative.
This move is part of broader efforts to bolster the agricultural economy and provide much-needed relief to sugarcane farmers, who are vital to the Philippines' sugar production and export capabilities.
