Subsidy program to benefit farmers, fisherfolk

CEBU, Philippines - At least 112,939 small scale farmers and fisherfolk in Central Visayas are expected to benefit from the rice/food subsidy program the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched last week.

Yesterday, DSWD launched the program in Negros and Bohol. It covers 47 towns in Bohol, 53 in Cebu, 20 in Negros Oriental and six in Siquijor. DSWD aims to implement the program fully in Region 7 by June 15.

Under the program, each household in the areas covered will receive P2,937 from DSWD. The cash will be provided in exchange for the recipients’ work in projects, which will be identified by the leaders of the communities covered by the program.

The program provides short term intervention to provide temporary employment to small scale farmers and fisherfolks and their families who need assistance in undertaking preparedness, mitigation, relief, rehabilitation or risk reduction projects and activities in their communities.

It is also seen to increase the income of recipients and, at the same time, encourage community participation in implementing a project that will prepare them for response and post disaster activities, including hunger and food security initiatives.

Through the projects, the beneficiaries will be able to enhance food production such as farm preparation, construction of shallow wells and irrigation canals.

The Social Welfare and Development Office in the identified communities, the Department of Agriculture, and other partners of DSWD will manage the projects. — (FREEMAN)