President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday committed to improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in Bohol.
In his speech during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF) in the province, President Marcos vowed to continue programs designed to boost the livelihood of Boholanos.
“Hindi namin titigilan at hindi [kami] titigil [sa] pagsisikap upang maibigay ang inyong mga pangangailangan. Walang sawa kaming [magpapatupad] ng mga programang [makabubuti] po sa inyo, magsasagawa ng mga iba’t ibang proyektong [makapagbibigay] ng ginhawa sa inyong buhay, at [mamumuhunan] para sa inyong kapakanan at kasaganahan,” the President stated.
The President led the ceremonial distribution of PhP100 million in cash assistance to the provincial governments of Bohol and Cebu.
“Mga kababayan, dala po namin ang isang daang milyong pisong cash assistance para sa mga Boholano at Cebuanong magsasaka, at mangingisda, at para sa kanilang pamilya. [Tig-limampung] milyong piso ang [inilaan] po natin sa dalawang lalawigan, at ang bawat benepisyaryo ay makakatanggap ng [tig-sampung] libong piso,” the President said.
The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives also gave five kilos of rice to each of the attendees.
The President also mentioned the loan program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). He said the agency will distribute two four-wheel drive tractors, fertilizers, sacks of rice and corn seeds, coconut seedlings, and various farm tools.
The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) will provide livelihood kits worth PhP8,000 for nine former rebels through the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program, he said.
The President added the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will extend over PhP2.3 million to more than 100 beneficiaries of the Integrated Livelihood Program. More than PhP1.8 million will be handed over to almost 400 beneficiaries of the TUPAD program.
Also, there will be a training support fund for 20 beneficiaries and starter tool kits of shielded metal arc welding for another 20 beneficiaries.
The President also announced the near completion of Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation projects bound to irrigate more than 530 hectares of farm in the municipalities of Mabini and Alicia.
“Alam kong higit labintatlong libong pamilya at higit labing apat na libong magsasaka at mangingisda sa Bohol ang lubos na naapektuhan ng El Niño noong mga nakaraang buwan. Kaya sana po ay makatulong ang mga programa ng gobyerno at ang dala naming ayuda upang tuluyan na kayong makabawi sa mga hamong na dinadaanan ninyo,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the President hoped the country would not experience destructive calamities this year. He assured Filipinos of government presence when disasters strike.
“Tayo ay naglaan ng pondo, mga food pack, at iba pa, mga ayuda kung kinakailangan,” he said.
The Chief Executive also called for strong collaboration between the local and national governments to achieve common goals.
“Sa mga pinuno ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaang nasyonal at lokal, hinihiling ko ang inyong pakikiisa upang makamit natin ang hangarin natin na walang maiiwan sa paglalakbay tungo sa mas maliwanag at mas maunlad na bukas. Tiyakin po natin na [makararating] sa lahat ng benepisyaryo ang tulong na inilalaan natin para sa kanila,” the President said. | PND
