DA-Bicol Expands Farmer Assistance to Strengthen Food Supply

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-09-10 14:16:55

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) is expanding its support programs for farmers and agricultural production as it works to maintain food supply and help stabilize commodity prices in the region.

DA-5 spokesperson Lovella Guarin said Thursday that the agency continues to provide production inputs, promote farm mechanization, improve irrigation support and extend financial assistance to farmers facing production challenges.

“DA production inputs are always ready, and we are also utilizing mechanization,” Guarin said in an interview.

She said the agency is also working to maximize rice-producing areas that can be served by irrigation to sustain and increase rice production.

The DA-5 is likewise preparing to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) covering infrastructure projects intended to support increased production of rice and other agricultural commodities in Bicol.

Among the ongoing interventions is the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolks (PAFF), which provides PHP2,325 in cash assistance to each qualified beneficiary.

Guarin said the program aims to assist 260,050 farmers and fisherfolk across Bicol. As of Aug. 15, 198,952 beneficiaries had received assistance totaling PHP462.56 million.

The first batches of beneficiaries included rice and corn farmers, while the third batch scheduled this September will cover farmers engaged in high-value crops, coconut and sugarcane production.

Guarin said the distribution of assistance will continue until the agency reaches its target beneficiaries for the first and second batches.

The expanded interventions come as Bicol's agricultural sector continues to face weather-related and market challenges that have affected production, supply and commodity prices.

Guarin reported that the region sustained PHP191.6 million in agricultural damage from drought between April and May, although the dry spell had ended by June.

Rice accounted for PHP19.3 million of the reported damage, while high-value crops, particularly fruits and vegetables, suffered the largest share of losses.

The drought also caused water shortages that delayed planting activities in several areas.

“We were also affected by the lack of water, so it took longer before we could plant,” Guarin said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported a decline in Bicol's rice production during the second quarter, which Guarin said was partly attributed to calamities affecting agricultural areas.

Aside from production losses, she identified higher fuel and transportation costs as additional factors affecting food prices, particularly because agricultural commodities from Bicol are transported to markets outside the region.

Guarin said the DA's continued investments in production inputs, irrigation, mechanization, infrastructure and direct farmer assistance are intended to strengthen the region's agricultural capacity and help ensure a more stable food supply despite emerging production and market pressures.

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR

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