Pangasinan: Farmers from the province of Pangasinan expressed gratitude to the national government for the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program. Ruben Felipe, 72, said in an interview Monday the amount would be used for the preparation of his land for another planting season. "At least hindi kami nakakalimutan ng gobyerno (At least we are not forgotten by the government)," he said. He admitted that farming is challenging since he started in 1989. Since he lost his one leg a few years ago, his two sons are now in charge of their land.

According to Philippines News Agency, Severino dela Cruz, 83, said he would use the PHP2,325 cash aid for the provision of seedlings. "Maraming salamat sa gobyerno (Thank you to the national government)," he said. George Bongato, 53, said the cash aid is timely for the start of the planting season. "I would buy seedlings and also for the needs of my family since we have been affected by the fuel price hike," he said. The farmers are among those who received cash aid under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program.

Department of Agriculture Ilocos Region project evaluation officer Irene Tactac, in a recent interview, said the unconditional cash assistance program aims to ease the impact of the oil price hikes. "We are giving to everyone registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture including rice, corn, sugarcane farmers, and fisherfolk," she said. She said the PAFF national fund is PHP10 billion. In Ilocos Region, the allocation was PHP1.1 billion intended for 480,080 individuals.