President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday handed over PhP26.87 million in financial assistance to the local governments of Cavite and Rizal to help farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
Of the figure, President Marcos extended PhP12.36 million to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and PhP14.51 million to Rizal Gov. Nina Ricci Ynares.
Over 4,700 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by El Nino in the Southern Tagalog region.
“Kung [kaya’t] kami ay naririto upang magbigay ng tulong pinansyal at iba pang suporta sa mga naapektuhan [nating] mga magsasaka, na mga mangingisda, at kasama din po riyan ang kanilang mga pamilya,” President Marcos said in his speech during the aid distribution.
Moreover, the Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed farm machineries and equipment including tractors, a combine harvester, multi-tillers, a rice thresher, hauling trucks, and pump and engine sets.
On the other hand, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed motorized bancas and various fishing equipment.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided PhP2.17 million under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to support 418 beneficiaries.
Another PhP1.02 million was distributed by DOLE to 50 recipients through its Integrated Livelihood Program.
Meanwhile, PhP28.20 million in scholarship referrals was given by the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The agency also distributed Starter toolkits worth PhP251,696 and Training Support Funds worth PhP141,000.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also provide assistance through its One Town One Product Next Gen Program, Coconut Farmers Industry Development Fund, and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
The agency will also provide aid through its Kapatid Mentor Me Program.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will extend PhP10,000 in financial assistance to 12,000 beneficiaries in Cavite under its Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
Each participant of the occasion received five kilos of rice from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez of the House of Representatives. PND
