Manila, April 15 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday started the nationwide simultaneous release of the PHP10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF).

The release of assistance comes at a time of rising fuel, transportation, production, and farm input costs due to the effects of recent conflicts in the Middle East.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that although the amount of financial aid seems to be limited, at PHP2,325 per eligible beneficiary, it will help millions of food producers in the Philippines and prevent the disruption of overall food production.

"This financial assistance, while admittedly small, provides a lifeline for over 4.1 million Filipino fa...