ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of cash assistance worth P10,000 each to 844 farmers in Zamboanga City in a powerful demonstration of support for the backbone of the nation's economy.

The farmer beneficiaries express their thanksgiving to the president along with the government agencies for their assistance.

“Sapat iyang pagtabang sa amo. Nagpasalamat ko sa atong pangulo, uban sa mga nagkalaing departamento, sa Department of Agriculture, ug DSWD nga naghatag sila ug tabang sa mga mag-uuma tungod sa kalisod sa among panginabuhi,” Godofrredo Ornillos said.

(We receive sufficient help from him [the president]. I thank our president, as well as the other government departments such as the Department of Agriculture and DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development], for extending assistance to farmers, because of the hardships in our livelihoods.)

“Muchias Gracias con el presidente kay ya pwede canamon ayuda con mga farmers, como kami bien pobre especialmente io,” beneficiary Rosana Ejansantos Limen said.

(Thank you very much to the president because he is able to help us, the farmers who are financially struggling, specially me.)

Continuing the whole-of-government approach to address the effects of El Niño, President Marcos Jr. visited Zamboanga City on Thursday, May 9, 2024 to personally extend the assistance to the farmers, fisherfolk and families who are affected of the weather phenomenon.  

President Marcos stated that according to reports, more than 3,000 hectares in Zamboanga Peninsula are affected by the El Niño. Thus, the need for immediate action, especially in agriculture, the primary source of livelihood for his beloved Zamboangueños.

“Minabuti namin na makapaghatid ng sari-saring tulong at suporta sa inyo dahil isa kayo sa pinakamalubhang naapektuhan ng El Niño. Muli kong ipinapaabot na ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang maibsan ang matinding pinsala na dinala dito sa Pilipinas ng El Niño,” the President noted.

(We have decided to provide various forms of assistance and support to you because you are among the most severely affected by El Niño. I would like to reiterate that your government is doing everything within our power to alleviate the severe damage brought here to the Philippines by El Niño.)

The President likewise extends monetary support totaling around P58 million to the City of Zamboanga and the Provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Sibugay Governor Ann K. Hofer calls on her constituents to appreciate the help extended to the province. “Mga pinanggang fisherfolks, farmers and families, magpasalamat jud ta sa presidente, kay dakong tabang ni sa ato. Daghan pa ni maabot, so magpasalamat ta kaayu kay giatiman ta,” Hofer said.

(Dear beloved fisherfolk, farmers, and families, let us truly thank the president, for his support means a lot to us. More help is on the way, so let us express our heartfelt gratitude for being taken care of.)

President Marcos, in his message, stated that the government aims to provide everyone with a decent life, which is why they are striving to address the needs of every province and town across the nation. “Hangad po namin na mabigyan kayong lahat ng maayos na buhay kaya naman po nagsisikap kami na bigyan ng pansin ang pangangailan ng bawat probinsya at bayan sa buong bansa," he said. (NBE/CCP/PIA9)