MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured residents of the remote island province of Tawi-Tawi (1,058 km south of Manila) that the government will sustain development efforts and delivery of services to uplift their lives amid challenges like the ongoing El Niño dry spell.
During his visit, Marcos led the distribution of cash assistance under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families program to those affected by El Niño in the province, part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“My purpose in going around different towns and provinces is first, to personally see if government aid is reaching people and if it is helping those struggling due to the drought,” Marcos told residents at the Provincial Sports Complex in Bongao.
“Second, I am here to understand your situation so we can find appropriate solutions to your future problems,” he added.
The president expressed joy over the peace now prevailing in Tawi-Tawi and vowed that development projects will continue, including the Mindanao road sector project started last year to build three bridges linking islands to improve transportation and quality of life.
Marcos also outlined various social welfare, employment, nutrition and disaster response programs lined up for the province, which is under a state of calamity due to El Niño.
He announced that P10,000 ($178) in cash aid will be provided to farmers and fisherfolk through the assistance program, which forms part of his administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) development agenda.
He also personally handed over P30 million in financial assistance to BARMM local governments to help them launch their respective programs for those hit by El Niño.
“With your cooperation and unity, peace will continue to flourish and progress will come to our nation,” Marcos said.
He said this forms part of his administration’s efforts to provide residents with the services and care they deserve to achieve their dreams in life.
The president’s visit highlights the Bagong Pilipinas thrust to ensure inclusive development reaches even the country’s far-flung communities. (PIA-NCR)
