BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 12 -- Nearly a thousand rice and corn farmers in Dinagat Islands have received financial support through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP) during two days of payout activities.

Of the total 986 beneficiaries in the province, 624 were from the town of Basilisa while 362 were from Cagdianao.

Each beneficiary received PHP2,235 in cash assistance, with more than PHP2.2 million released during the payout activities.

Mariano Imper, 48, a corn farmer from Basilisa, underscored the importance of the PAFFP aid, especially during difficult times.

"While waiting for harvest, family needs are a must, especially for my children," Imper said in an interview Wednesday.

He thanked the government...