SABLAN, June 4 -- The local government here said the financial aid provided by the national government to farmers is timely, as this would help them buy boosters for their fruit trees in time for the town's "Fruit Festival".

"Malaking tulong po ito sa mga farmers natin pambili ng fertilizer, insecticide kasi alam naman natin na tumaas ang mga presyo ng supplies (This is a big help for the farmers so that they can buy fertilizers and insecticides, especially with the increase in their prices)," Mayor Alfredo Dacumos said on the sidelines of the distribution of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolks (PAFF) at the municipal hall on Thursday.

Known as the "Fruit Basket of Benguet", the town holds its annual "Fruit Festival"...