3,000 Zambales farmers get cash aid from FARM program

MANILA, Philippines – About 3,000 rice farmers in Zambales were granted financial aid Saturday under the  administration’s newly launched Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) program.

The FARM program, a collaborative effort between the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the National Food Authority (NFA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to bolster the agricultural sector.

“Bahagi pa rin ito ng direktiba ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na tulungan ang ating mga rice farmers na nagkukulang sa panggastos sa pamilya at sa kanilang sinasaka. This also helps the Marcos administration’s efforts to enhance our food security,” said Romualdez.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to support rice farmers and augment the rice buffer stock of the Marcos government.

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Romualdez said that the program would provide immediate cash aid to farmers, encouraging them to sell a portion of their rice produce to the NFA, thus aiding in the country’s food security.

Coinciding with the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Zambales, the program focuses on increasing the NFA’s buffer stock and assisting struggling rice farmers across the legislative districts of the House of Representatives.

In Zambales, 3,000 selected farmers will each receive P2,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the DSWD. These beneficiaries, from the congressional district of Zambales Rep. Doris “Nanay Bing” E. Maniquiz, are also encouraged to contribute at least 100 kilos of rice to the NFA.

The initiative addresses the challenge faced by the NFA in maintaining an adequate rice stockpile, with the current NFA buying price at P23 per kilo, which is less competitive compared to prices offered by private sectors.

Romualdez highlighted the program’s comprehensive approach, mirroring strategies used in the CARD and ISIP for Youth programs.

“Following the approach used in our CARD and the ISIP for Youth programs, we will visit every legislative district of the House of Representatives, in line with President Marcos’ directive, to ensure equitable distribution of government aid throughout the countryside,” he said.