CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 10 (BFAR-10), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), local government units (LGUs), and other attached agencies, facilitated the distribution of cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) in various areas of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City from May 25 to 29, 2026.

As part of the continuing rollout of the government’s financial assistance program, BFAR-10 assisted in the implementation of a series of payout caravans benefiting qualified farmers and fisherfolk across the province. The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to food producers affected by increasing production costs, rising fuel prices, and other economic challenges impacting the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

The distribution activities commenced on May 25 at the Balingasag Gymnasium in Balingasag and the Kinoguitan Gymnasium in Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental, where qualified beneficiaries received financial assistance under the program. The rollout continued on May 28 in Gingoog City, followed by payout activities on May 29 at the Barangay Cabobohan Covered Court in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, and the Barangay Nazareth Gymnasium in Cagayan de Oro City. Through the series of payout activities, a total of 1,810 fisherfolk beneficiaries across Misamis Oriental, including Cagayan de Oro City’s 1st District, received Php4,208,250.00 in cash assistance under the PAFFF Program. 

The Bureau played a key role in validating and assisting eligible fisherfolk beneficiaries registered under the appropriate fisheries databases, ensuring that support reaches those actively engaged in the fisheries sector. BFAR-10 continues to work closely with DA-RFO 10 and local government partners to deliver government interventions that strengthen the resilience of fishing communities across Northern Mindanao.

For many fisherfolk beneficiaries, the assistance serves as a welcome boost to help offset operational expenses and sustain their livelihoods amid rising costs of living and production inputs due to drastic fuel cost. Through the PAFFP, the government seeks to help maintain productivity in the agriculture and fisheries sectors while supporting the welfare of food producers who contribute significantly to the country’s food security.

Allan Cordova, a fisherfolk beneficiary from Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, expressed his gratitude for the assistance, noting the challenges currently faced by many fishers.

“Dako kaayo ni nga tabang para namong mga mangingisda. Karon, grabe gyud ang kalisod tungod sa pagsaka sa presyo sa mga kinahanglanon ug sa gasto sa pagpangisda. Nagpasalamat mi nga padayon ang suporta sa gobyerno ug hinaut nga magpadayon pa gyud kini aron makatabang sa among panginabuhi ug sa among mga pamilya,” Cordova said.

The Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program is among the national government’s initiatives designed to provide timely financial support to registered farmers and fisherfolk affected by economic disruptions and rising fuel and production costs. Eligible beneficiaries include rice farmers cultivating not more than two hectares, registered corn farmers, and fisherfolk with duly registered fishing vessels and gears under the BoatR system and listed in the government’s fisheries registry.

Through its active participation in the rollout of the program across Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, BFAR-10 remains committed to ensuring that fisheries interventions and government assistance reach qualified fisherfolk throughout the region. The Bureau continues to support initiatives that enhance the welfare of fishing communities, strengthen livelihood opportunities, and contribute to sustainable fish production and food security in Northern Mindanao. (PACR/BFAR-10)