News Release

PBBM hands over PhP147.6-M assistance to El Niño-hit Aurora farmers, fisherfolk



President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. handed over Friday PhP147.6 million to the province of Aurora to help farmers and fisherfolk recover from the effects of El Niño phenomenon that hit the country.

“Kaya po kami nagpunta rito ngayon ay upang magbigay ng kaunting tulong sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at ang kanilang mga pamilya na labis na naapektuhan ng mga nagdaang [tagtuyot],” President Marcos said during the distribution of assistance in Sen. Edgardo Angara Convention Center in Baler, Aurora.

“Bilang pambungad, masaya ko pong ibinabalita sa inyo na magbibigay ang [aking] tanggapan—ang Office of the President—ng [tig-sampung] libong piso para sa bawat benepisyaryong magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga pamilya na naapektuhan ng krisis,” he said.

The President led the release of PhP10 million assistance from the Office of the President, which was received by Aurora Gov. Reynante Tolentino.

This is in addition to the PhP100-million from the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with 10,000 beneficiaries receiving PhP10,000 each.

Other assistance include PhP10 million, animal quarantine; PhP25 million, loan; PhP75,000, fish vending equipment; PhP390,000, DOLE integrated livelihood program; PhP1.75 million, scholarships from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and PhP476,000, training support fund.

The Aurora’s provincial government also distributed five kilos of rice to each attendee.

The dry spell has affected more than 4,402 farmers in Central Luzon, and resulted in PhP367.5 million in agricultural losses.

After the onslaught of El Niño, Marcos assured the people of Aurora that the government is doing the necessary preparations for the impending La Niña that could affect the country.

“At ngayon naman, na paparating na ang tag-ulan, nakahanda na rin po ang inyong pamahalaan sa anumang magiging epekto nito,” the President said.

“Mayroon na tayong naka pre-position na relief supplies na nagkakahalaga ng higit isangdaan [at] walumpung milyong piso para sa buong Region 3,” he added.

Composed of eight municipalities, Aurora’s major industries include agriculture (rice, corn, and coconut), fishery, forestry, tourism, and trade. PND