BUSINESS

542,000 farmers, fisherfolk get P4.3B aid

Mico Virata · Sep 14, 2026, 3:47 PM

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. assured farmers who suffered losses from the combined impact of tropical storm Crising and the southwest monsoon of government’s support. ‘We want our farmers and fisherfolk to know that the government is fully committed to supporting them, especially during these challenging times,’ Secretary Tiu Laurel said, promising them ‘essential resources, including seeds and financial aid’ which he said are ‘readily available to help our stakeholders recover swiftly.’ — Photograph courtesy of department of agriculture

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has rolled out about P4.3 billion worth of assistance and services to 542,000 beneficiaries in 269 local government units as part of the government’s Handog ng Pangulo program.

The nationwide assistance covers farmers, fisherfolk and other rural communities involved in rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and fisheries.

It also includes market and livelihood support through KADIWA ng Pangulo and the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo program, which provides assistance to indigenous communities.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the programs are intended to address the immediate production and livelihood needs of farmers.

“We want to make sure our farmers have the support they need to produce more, earn more, and build more secure livelihoods,” Tiu Laurel said.

The package also includes the government’s “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program, which provides vulnerable sectors access to P20-per-kilo rice sourced from National Food Authority (NFA) stocks procured from local rice farmers.

The DA’s rollout formed part of Handog ng Pangulo 2026, which culminated on 14 September alongside activities marking President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s birthday.

Launched in 2024 under the banner “Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” Handog ng Pangulo brings government services closer to communities through coordinated programs of national agencies and local governments.

For the agriculture sector, the DA said the initiative brings various existing programs together, allowing beneficiaries to access production inputs, livelihood assistance and market opportunities through a single nationwide effort.

KADIWA ng Pangulo, for example, links farmers and producers with consumers and institutional buyers, while the indigenous peoples’ livelihood program provides support tailored to local communities.