CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Aeta farmer Robert Valencia arrived barefoot and in his traditional clothing at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga bearing in his back the struggles in providing food for his family.
Sooner, Valencia, was called on stage and received P10,000, handed over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself.
He was among the initial 60 selected El Niño-hit farmers, fisherfolk, and families in Central Luzon who received the amount from the Office of the President.
“We’ve planted bitter gourd, beans, taro, and squash. The first that we planted exploded because of the heat. I really had given up,” Valencia shared his difficulties during the dry spell.
He added that not having crops to eat, his family had to rely on wild plants and vegetables to have food on their tables.
With this, Valencia thanked the government for extending financial assistance for struggling farmers like him.
“I am very happy to find out that I am among those who will receive the benefit from our beloved President. I am very thankful not only because of the blessing but also to see the President in person, that is really when I felt the happiest,” he stated.
In his message during the distribution of the financial aid, Marcos underscored that the government knows the difficulties of farmers and fisherfolk during the El Niño phenomenon.
“To help in your recovery, and as gratitude to your everyday sacrifices, we will provide you with some assistance for your livelihood,” he said.
Given this, the President said the government is bringing the aid closer to about 4,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the region who were extremely affected by drought.
“We can also hear your grievances. We see your sacrifices. Your continuous efforts every day is your contribution in the promotion of our dream for a Bagong Pilipinas. You can hope that we will wholeheartedly and untiringly act so that you can enjoy the sweet fruit of your endeavors,” the Chief Executive pressed.
Marcos also extended monetary support worth P105 million to the provincial governments of Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.
Anchored on the whole-of-government approach in addressing the country’s challenges, the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed P10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP.
The Department of Agriculture distributed about P206 million worth of assistance including farm machinery, tools, and equipment; fertilizer discount vouchers; fuel assistance cards; and cash.
For its part, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources handed over about P3.7 million worth of fishing equipment, motorized fiberglass boats, fish vending equipment, and smoked fish production packages.
The Department of Labor and Employment released a total of P145,000 to 29 farmer beneficiaries under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced workers.
It also awarded P500,000 to Angat, Bulacan for its Waterlily Handicraft project, benefitting 25 fisherfolk.
The agency likewise provided P20,000 worth of fishpond tools to three fisherfolk from Minalin, Pampanga.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on the other hand, distributed P225,000 worth of organic production toolkits; P180,000 worth of training support funds; and P2.9 million worth of scholarships.
Meanwhile, Marcos shared that the national government allotted P5 million as a standby fund for Central Luzon amid the onset of the rainy season.
More than 200,000 family food packs, and around P23 million worth of non-food items are also in place.
SOURCE: Jag Lyra D. Costamero PIA3
