Distribution of farmers’ aid on hold despite ban exemption

CEBU, Philippines —  Despite receiving an exemption certification from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that allows the release of financial aid to farmers, the distribution process remains stalled, according to city agriculturists.

Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) head Arleigh Gesta admitted he was initially unaware that the funds for the assistance program had already been approved through a COMELEC exemption petition.

The approved petition grants P15 million in cash assistance for farmers in line with Cebu City Ordinance No. 2618—officially titled the "Ordinance Promoting a Sustainable Food Production Program in the City and Providing Funds Therefore."

Additionally, COMELEC has authorized the disbursement of P6 million in basic farming support, specifically intended for farmers in the mountain barangays as they prepare for their first cropping period.

Gesta explained that while the funds have been approved, the actual release and distribution could still take time due to procedural requirements.

The aid, he clarified, is a loan assistance program offered to farmers without interest. As of now, only two barangays have been cleared for distribution, but the funds have yet to be released.

"Depende sa farmer kung asa niya ni gustong gastohon but usually ari gyud na sa pagpananom or pampamalit og pagkaon sa kahayopan," said Gesta.

Despite COMELEC's approval, Gesta emphasized that it's still premature to assume that distribution can begin immediately.

"Nya daghan pa gyud ni sya og concern ba, naa pa tuy laing issue akong nabaw-an, kay dugay naman gud ni siya nga funds bitaw, 2021 pa ni and 2022," he said.

While Gesta declined to elaborate on the specific issues delaying the assistance, he shared that the Cebu City Accountant's Office is handling the matter, which reportedly involves legal considerations and Commission on Audit (COA) rulings.

He reiterated that the distribution will not proceed until all concerns are resolved, assuring that the department is complying with all necessary documentation and requirements.

In the meantime, Gesta noted that other nationally funded financial aid programs are still available for farmers. Leaders of various farmers’ associations recently attended an orientation to learn the proper guidelines for distributing assistance to their members.

"Kay ang budget jud sa CAD regarding financial assistance in the form of monetary, wala gyud tay budget," Gesta said.

Amid the declaration of the dry season, Gesta also reported a decrease in water supply in some upland sitios, particularly in Barangay Agsungot. Most of the affected supply is for household use, though water for farming purposes remains manageable.

To support ongoing cultivation, the CAD has provided water hoses to farmers. For household needs, Gesta said water tanks have been deployed in coordination with the Department of Public Services and the Cebu Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).