President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presents to Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao a check amounting to P50 million in aid for the Provincial Government of Antique during the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) ceremonial distribution in Antique. (PIA photo)
SAN JOSE, Antique — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) yesterday at the Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose de Buenavista town in Antique.
In his speech, President Marcos cited the different assistance and support given during his previous two visits to the province.
With Antique being one of the severely hit provinces by the El Niño phenomenon, the President went back to deliver various government interventions.
“Batid namin na kailangan ninyo ng sandigan at kaagapay upang mapagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok na kaakibat ng El Niño. Kaya naman, narito kami upang personal kong makita at maghatid ng tulong sa Antiqueños na nakikiisa sa atin ngayon,” Marcos said.
(We understand that you need support and assistance so you will overcome the challenges brought by the El Niño phenomenon. Thus, we are here to personally see you and bring help to Antiqueños that are with us today.)
The Department of Agriculture (DA) identified the beneficiaries who were severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon, and each one gets P10,000 in financial assistance.
Marcos reminded all the beneficiaries to be prudent with the assistance given to them to ensure good production and yield, not only for Antique but for its nearby towns as well.
“Maging matalino at maingat kayo sa lahat ng paggamit ng [mga] biyayang ipinagkaloob namin ngayong araw nang hindi lamang ang pagsasaka at pangingisda ng Antique ang ating mapayayabong, kung hindi pati na rin ang mga kalapit-bayan na tumatanaw sa inyo bilang inspirasyon,” Marcos reminded.
(Be wise and practical in spending the blessing given to you today so that it is not just the farming and fishing of Antique that will flourish but also nearby towns that you will take inspiration from.)
Aside from financial assistance, the DA also turned over to identified beneficiaries some agricultural tractors and farm inputs such as seedlings and fertilizers as part of the PAFFF distribution in Antique.
About 33 sacks of rice seeds and 100 bio-fertilizers were given to Hamtic Multi-purpose Cooperative; 100 sacks of hybrid seeds and 5,000 bio-fertilizer packs were also distributed to other identified beneficiaries.
Under the high-value crop development program, seven power sprayers and one multi-cultivator were given.
Further, to ensure fast and efficient harvest, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization turned over 4 units of tractor, 2 units combined with rice harvesters, and 2 units of rice floating tillers.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) distributed 22,000 pieces of coconut seed nuts, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided training support funds for the 24 beneficiaries of the agricultural crop production program and 19 beneficiaries of dressmaking training for work scholarships.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also distributed fishing post-harvest kits to 37 individual fisherfolk, amounting to a total of P180,000.
Four fisherfolk from Barbaza town received 20-foot fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats.
Aside from Antique, the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo, represented by their respective governors, received P50 million each for this El Niño recovery initiative.
Guimaras, on the other hand, received P28,410,000.
Apart from the PAFFF, each of the beneficiaries received five kilograms of rice from the Office of the House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Marcos acknowledged that there are still many sectors that need to be noticed and supported, but he appealed to the public to continue trusting the government because they are doing their best to reach every remote and far-flung area in the country.
After Antique, the President proceeded to Negros Occidental for the same event. (AGP/SQP/PIA Aklan)
