President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought PhP205.58 million in financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in the province of Pampanga on Friday.

In his speech, President Marcos said PhP105.58 million in financial aid is extended to farmers and fisherfolk in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.

The President said the government is bringing financial assistance closer to farmers and fisherfolk who were affected by the heat spell that resulted in PhP367.54 million worth of agricultural losses.

“Upang makatulong sa inyong pagbangon at bilang pasasalamat sa inyong araw-araw na pagsisikap, kami po ay mamamahagi sa inyo ng ilang tulong pandagdag sa inyong kabuhayan,” he said.

President Marcos also extended PhP10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The DSWD aid totaled to PhP100 million.

The Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez of the House of Representatives also provided five kilos of rice to all who attended the distribution of financial assistance at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando.

Machineries, boats and other livelihood assistance were also extended by the President during the event.

The President also led the distribution of aid to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

President Marcos also extended training support, scholarship grants and starter tool kits to beneficiaries of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training programs. PND