Government Aid and New Market Opportunities Bring Hope to Farmers in Pangasinan and Cordillera

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-06-01 23:43:45

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan / BAGUIO CITY – Farmers across Northern Luzon are gaining renewed confidence and support as government assistance programs and innovative market initiatives help strengthen agricultural livelihoods and improve income opportunities for farming communities.

In Pangasinan, beneficiaries of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) program expressed gratitude to the national government for providing timely financial assistance that will help them prepare for the upcoming planting season and address rising production costs.

For 72-year-old farmer Ruben Felipe, the cash aid will help finance the preparation of his farmland for another cycle of crop production.

“At least hindi kami nakakalimutan ng gobyerno (At least we are not forgotten by the government),” Felipe said, noting that despite the challenges he has faced since beginning his farming journey in 1989, government support continues to provide encouragement for farmers like him.

Similarly, 83-year-old Severino dela Cruz said the assistance would be used to purchase seedlings and other farming inputs essential for crop production.

“Maraming salamat sa gobyerno (Thank you very much to the government),” he said.

George Bongato, 53, described the aid as a timely intervention that will support both his farming activities and household needs amid increasing fuel prices.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the unconditional cash assistance program is designed to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers and fisherfolk. Beneficiaries include individuals registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, covering rice, corn, sugarcane farmers, and fisherfolk.

According to the DA, the national PAFF fund amounts to PHP10 billion, with PHP1.1 billion allocated to the Ilocos Region, benefiting more than 480,000 qualified recipients.

Meanwhile, in the Cordillera Administrative Region, a strong spirit of Filipino bayanihan is creating new market opportunities for vegetable farmers facing temporary oversupply challenges.

The Department of Agriculture–Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) reported that government agencies, private organizations, local communities, and consumers are working together to ensure farmers can continue selling their produce despite fluctuations in market demand.

“Everybody—the private sector, government offices, and individuals—is helping our farmers, and we are thankful that the Filipino tradition of bayanihan remains alive and active,” said DA-CAR Regional Director Jennilyn Dawayan.

To support vegetable growers, the DA has deployed Kadiwa trucks, subsidized transportation costs, and connected farmers and cooperatives directly with institutional buyers outside the region.

Dawayan emphasized that the experience presents an opportunity to strengthen crop management systems, improve market forecasting, and enhance coordination among agricultural stakeholders nationwide.

A major boost to the initiative came through a partnership between the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the municipalities of Bakun and Buguias in Benguet.

The collaboration established a rolling vegetable market at Scout Hill, Camp John Hay, providing farmers with a direct-selling platform and consumers with access to fresh, affordable vegetables. The market officially opened on May 30 and will continue operating while supplies remain available.

JHMC President and Chief Executive Officer Manjit Singh Reandi highlighted the importance of community collaboration in strengthening agricultural value chains.

“Together, let us build a gateway for farmers beyond Benguet, bridging the gap between farms and markets while strengthening agricultural connections,” Reandi said.

The combined impact of direct financial assistance, expanded market access, and strong public-private cooperation demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting Filipino farmers and fisherfolk while promoting food security, agricultural sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

As these initiatives continue to expand, farming communities across the country are expected to benefit from stronger support systems, improved market opportunities, and greater resilience in the face of future agricultural challenges.

 NPO News Team | PNA-PR

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