President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the launching of the “Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program” in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
“Kaya naman, sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, kasama ang Development Bank of the Philippines, ang DBP, at ng Planters Products Incorporated, inilulunsad natin sa araw na ito ang Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program,” President Marcos announced during the launching held at the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Gymnasium in Guimba.
The event also coincided with the President’s birthday on Friday, where he was greeted by the beneficiaries during the program.
Under the Pantawid program, each farmer will receive an Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC), which can be used to purchase seeds and fertilizers, as well as other tools for farming, through accredited merchants.
“Wala nang pangambang maloloko sa presyo. Wala nang alalahanin sa kakulangan ng pondo,” the President said.
President Marcos added that the government will give farmers PhP32,000 in financial help, to be distributed as PhP8,000 every first week of each month for the next four months.
During the harvest season, the National Food Authority (NFA) will assist by purchasing their harvest in the amount of five tons or 100 sacks of palay at prices not below PhP21 per kilo.
The President said this will allow farmers to earn PhP105,000 per hectare, which will be processed through their IMCs.
He also said that under the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat,” the government has established KADIWA centers where rice and other agricultural products are available at low prices.
The government will provide free seeds and fertilizers, as well as other assistance, and offer financial support under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, TUPAD, and other aid programs.
For those seeking employment, the President said the government will also help through job fairs and the Government Internship Program.
“Magbibigay din po tayo ng [scholarships] at at saka [toolkits] at magsasagawa ng skills demonstrations sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Mag-aalok din tayo ng mga slot para pwedeng gamitin ng ating mag-aaral, at ‘yung magti-training, magamit nila ‘yan sa TVET,” President Marcos said.
The President added that the government will also provide free medical assistance through Level 3 public hospitals, mentioning the Dr. Paulino Garcia Memorial Hospital in Nueva Ecija.
He also said they will be launching mini trade fairs, offering business counseling and entrepreneurial training to help those who plan to start businesses.
“Layunin namin na maihatid ang lahat ng Pilipino ang lahat ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan na makakatulong upang makapagsimula kayo ng kabuhayan, magkaroon ng edukasyon, at magkaroon ng mabuting kalusugan,” the President said. PND
