17/07/2026
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๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ค๐๐ฒ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐
๐ฎ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐
A total of 2,046 identified farmers from the municipalities of Buguias and Mankayan who were affected by the fuel crisis received โฑ5,000 each in Socio-Economic Relief Assistance under the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Fund.
The assistance was distributed by the Provincial Government of Benguet (PLGU), through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO), on July 16, 2026. Distribution activities were held at the Municipal Agriculture Office in Lamagan, Abatan, Buguias, and at the Municipal Gym in Poblacion, Mankayan.
Provincial Agriculturist Delinia D. Juan stated that the beneficiaries were selected based on specific eligibility criteria, including not having previously received similar assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In their message, Provincial Governor Hon. Melchor D. Diclas and Vice Governor Hon. Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes reaffirmed the provincial government's continued commitment to supporting the local agricultural sector and assisting farmers affected by unforeseen crises.
Among the officials present during the distribution were Board Members Hon. Jim G. Botiwey, Hon. Lady Charmaine S. Molintas-Likigan, Hon. Mary Joy Sabo Fermin, Hon. Armando Lauro, Hon. Neptali B. Camsol, and Hon. Romeo K. Salda.
The relief initiative is funded under Budget Ordinance No. 2026-06, which allocated โฑ20 million to provide assistance to approximately 4,000 affected farmers across the province. This initiative forms part of the province's ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts to help farmers cope with the adverse impacts of the fuel crisis.
The PLGU Benguet Team expressed its sincere gratitude to the municipal officials of Buguias and Mankayan, headed by Mayor Julius M. Amos and Mayor Cesar R. Pasiwen, respectively. The team also extended its appreciation to the barangay officials, Municipal Agriculture Office personnel, and Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers (BAEWs) for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the conduct of the activity.
๐ฃ๐๐ด๐ข // Release 07-06-26