President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday distributed more than PhP100 million in financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.
Of the figure, PhP50 million was handed over to Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan; PhP25.99 million to Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan; and PhP19.30 million to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.
In his speech, President Marcos told farmers and fisherfolk of the whole-of-government approach to address the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in their province that affected more than 3,000 families in three municipalities in Samar and Eastern Samar.
“Dahil po riyan, narito ang inyong pamahalaan upang iparamdam ang aming suporta sa inyo na walang-pagod na nagsisikap upang matiyak na mayroong pagkain sa hapag [ang]bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” President Marcos said.
The President acknowledged the significant contribution of the farmers and fisherfolk to the development of the province and the country as a whole.
Aside from the financial assistance from the Office of the President, the Chief Executive said the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), provided fishing gear and other equipment.
President Marcos said Shallow Water Payao systems were also extended to fisherfolk, under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program while the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) provided Shared Service Facilities to the Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
“At upang mapabuti ang kasanayan ng mga Samareño, ang TESDA po ay maghahandog ng starter toolkits sa limampung iskolar. Bukod pa rito, maglalaan din ang TESDA ng mahigit tatlong daang libong pisong pondo bilang tinatawag na training support,” President Marcos said in referring to the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority.
President Marcos said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also extended over PhP6 million to over 1,500 beneficiaries of its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in Almagro, Gandara and Tagapul-an.
“Maglalaan din ang DOLE ng higit PhP5 million para sa 161 benepisyaryo, PhP5.08 million pesos para sa 161 beneficiaries sa ilalim naman ng Integrated Livelihood Program, at higit anim na raan at [limampung libong] piso [naman para] sa 85 na lalahok sa Government Internship Program,” he said.
The President said the Agricultural Credit Policy Council of the DA will also extend PhP35 million credit fund for Northern Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Rural Bank of Calbayog City.
“Mga kababayan, nauunawaan po namin [ang] hamon na kinakaharap ninyo araw-araw, lalo [na] sa sektor ng agrikultura at sa pangingisda na siyang haligi ng ekonomiya sa Samar. Kaya po patuloy naming tinutugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan mula sa dinaanan nating hirap ng tagtuyot,” he said.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos assured the residents that the government will work double time to improve their lives and ensure that all necessary assistance will be provided to them as envisioned under a “Bagong Pilipinas.” | PND
