LUBAO, Pampanga — A total of 3,112 farmers and fisherfolk in Pampanga received ₱16.8 million in financial assistance from the national government to help ease household expenses and support livelihoods amid economic pressures.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the distribution of ₱5,400 each to qualified beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program at the Sta. Cruz Gymnasium in Lubao.
The total assistance amounted to ₱16,804,800, providing immediate financial relief to agricultural workers whose incomes depend on farm production and fishing activities.
For beneficiary Chrismar Escoto, the assistance came at a critical time. “Tamang-tama po ang dating ng biyaya sa amin. Maraming salamat po sa pag-antabay ninyo sa mga ortelano’t manasan,” Escoto said, expressing gratitude for the support extended to farmers and fisherfolk.
The distribution was attended by 2nd District Board Members Fritzie David-Dizon, Atty. Claire Lim and Sajid Eusoof, along with Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Fe Manarang and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Francis Alingcastre.
Lubao Mayor Esmie Pineda and Floridablanca Mayor Michael Galang also thanked the provincial and national governments for coordinating the delivery of assistance to qualified beneficiaries.
The cash transfer is intended to help eligible households meet immediate needs, including food and other essential expenses, while providing temporary financial support to farming and fishing communities.
The initiative highlights the role of government assistance in helping vulnerable agricultural workers manage daily expenses and maintain their livelihoods while contributing to the province’s food production and local economy.