DSWD, Red Cross start distribution of rice to El Niño affected farmers
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD has kicked off the distribution of rice subsidies to farmers affected by the El Nino phenomenon.
DSWD focal person Julian Ledesma said they have prioritized farmers whose families are already recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) while the validation of other affected farmers outside the 4Ps area is going on.
Record provided by his office showed that some 7,894 farmers from the 4Ps area can avail of the outright distribution of the one bag of rice that will be good for two months.
The DSWD listed Aklan province to have the most number of affected farmers with 4,187; Iloilo, 1,749; Capiz, 1,039 and Negros Occidental, 919 farmers.
The DSWD has partnered with the Philippine Red Cross in the distribution of the assistance which started in San Rafael town, Iloilo last week benefiting some 225 farmers.
Meantime, Ledesma added that they might also extend assistance to those coming from non-4Ps area if the validation process is completed and once the calamity fund from their central office is available.
The farmers he said have options either to avail of the one sack of rice or food/cash for work assistance. (PNA)
