CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. visited Palawan today, bringing assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño.
The President highlighted the critical importance of enhancing food production in the province
The visit came in the wake of the devastating effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which caused an estimated P3 billion in damages across the MIMAROPA region, according to the President.
To bolster local agriculture, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the production of key local commodities such as cashew, banana, and calamansi. The government is mobilizing substantial support to aid farmers and communities affected by the drought.
President, in his speech, highlighted the government’s financial assistance of a P10,000 package for beneficiaries affected by the drought.
Also, he said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P10,000 each to 6,000 beneficiaries under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
As support and gesture of solidarity from the Speaker of the House, its office committed to providing five (5) kilos of rice to all attendees of the presidential visit in Palawan.
On the part of the Department of Agriculture (DA), it distributed seeds, fertilizers, and farm tools to indigenous peoples in Palawan. The DA provided tractors, transplanters, and other essential farming equipment to enhance agricultural productivity.
For fisheries support, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) supplied five (5) bancas and two (2) fish cages to support local fisherfolk.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) provided an allocation of P8 million for the maintenance and subsidy of irrigation programs. Additionally, a P500 million certificate of condonation will be granted to members of the irrigation association to alleviate their financial burdens.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) distributed starter tool kits and checks to support vocational training and employment.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provided aid to former rebels as part of the government’s reintegration efforts.
Lastly, for local government support, a P10 million project has been allocated to the LGU of Puerto Princesa City, with an additional P50 million for the province of Palawan and another P39 million for the fisherfolk of the province of Marinduque.
President Marcos Jr. reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Palawan’s agricultural and fishing communities, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to overcome the challenges posed by El Niño and improve their livelihoods. (LTC/PIA MIMAROPA)
Photo courtesy: PIA Palawan
