The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has provided over PhP9 billion worth of aid for farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said on Saturday.

De Mesa told a news forum in Quezon City that President Marcos has visited different regions since last month to personally hand over the assistance.

He said the President has turned over more than PhP700 million under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolks (PAFF) program.

Under PAFF, beneficiaries each receive P10,000 to help cushion the effect of the dry spell to their livelihood.

Among the regions visited by the President are Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Davao, Bicol, Cagayan Valley, and Caraga.

De Mesa noted that a little over PhP9 billion worth in total damage from El Niño has been recorded, with Region IV-B or MIMAROPA as the most affected. PND