Uplifting Resilience Through Direct Aid in Bacolod

On June 27, 2024, Bacolod became a powerful symbol of national empathy and proactive governance as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the rollout of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program at the UNO-R Football Field. The event was a strategic and heartfelt response to the severe impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which had taken a toll on the region’s agricultural output and disrupted the livelihoods of countless farming and fishing communities.

The President personally led the distribution of ₱83.15 million in direct financial aid, benefiting 8,315 farmers and fisherfolk—each receiving ₱10,000 to help stabilize their household economies and jumpstart their path to recovery. This direct assistance aimed not only to address immediate needs but also to restore a sense of dignity and empowerment among recipients who form the backbone of the local food supply chain.

In addition to the individual support, the national government earmarked ₱10 million for the Bacolod City Government and an additional ₱50 million for the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. These funds were designated to accelerate local rehabilitation projects, including the replenishment of farming inputs, the restoration of irrigation systems, and the deployment of recovery and training programs through agencies such as TESDA and the Department of Agriculture.

During his address, President Marcos emphasized the government’s deep commitment to long-term recovery and food security, underlining the importance of climate adaptation strategies and institutional cooperation. The Bacolod leg of the PAFFF program thus served as both a lifeline and a launchpad—helping communities not only survive the crisis but begin laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

Partnering closely with the government, Post Ad Ventures remains at the forefront of these events—streamlining operations and providing essential support that allows public officials to focus on serving the people of Bacolod more effectively.