The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Pangilinan over the weekend said the proposed P10 billion financial aid is not enough since it would only benefit four million farmers and 400 fishermen. The senator said over 10 million farmers and 2.5 million fishermen were affected by the mounting economic pressures caused by the Middle East war. He said the one-time ₱2,325 cash aid to concerned farm workers and fisherfolks would come from the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk under the 2026 budget. About 15,000 fishermen would receive fuel assistance from the ₱150 million 2025 continuing appropriation, with ₱75 million each allotted to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Agriculture (DA). He sought additional government support for the agriculture and fishery sectors reeling from the global oil price surge, which drive up the cost of transportation and fertilizers. The senator said the situation affects small-scale farmers and fishermen who are among the most vulnerable sectors in the country. Pangilinan raised the possibility of tapping other sources of funds, such as the DA’s quick response fund. He expressed willingness to pass measures to make these funds readily available.
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