Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought hope to farmers and fisherfolk in Leyte and Biliran provinces affected by the El Niño phenomenon by providing financial assistance amounting to over P40 million during his visit to Palo, Leyte, on July 4.
The recent El Niño has caused extensive damage to crops worth over P23 million in Region 8. This has impacted over five hundred farmers, according to Marcos.
“Nagtitipon-tipon po tayo ngayon para magkaisa para sa muling pagbangon ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at kanilang mga pamilya [rito] sa Leyte, sa Southern Leyte, at saka sa Biliran,” the president emphasized the government’s commitment to aid the affected communities.
(We are gathering today to unite for the recovery of the farmers, fishermen, and their families in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.)
The president has personally attended the financial distribution as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist them amidst the recent El Niño phenomenon.
“Kaya naman sa okasyong ito, minabuti ng inyong pamahalaan na [bumisita] sa inyo upang magbigay ng suporta [upang] makabangon kayong muli para sa inyong kabuhayan,” the president added.
(Therefore, on this occasion, your government has decided to visit you to provide support so you can recover and rebuild your livelihoods.)
Agricultural assistance
Selected farmer-beneficiaries from the Leyte and Biliran provinces have each been granted P10,000 in cash assistance.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources distributed 30 motorized boats, materials, and feeds for raising milkfish and tilapia, along with equipment for seaweed farming.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided various agricultural equipment and tools, including rice combine harvesters, hauling trucks, tractors, and hand tractors.
This also includes rice reapers, rice threshers, modified abaca stripping knives, multi-cultivators, rain shelters, nurseries, composting tools, packing sheds, and more.
In addition, the DA will allocate funds to expand the Agri-Negosyo and Kadiwa Centers in Leyte provinces, according to the president.
Other government initiatives in Southern Leyte to improve agriculture include projects for egg and vegetable production and a poultry building facility module equipped with an incubator, feeding equipment, and 500 chickens.
Beneficiaries’ perspective
During the last harvest season, Edgard Eamiguel Apas, a 66-year-old corn farmer from Ormoc City, reported that his farming was adversely affected by El Niño.
He hoped that the cash assistance would aid him in his farm production.
“Dako kaayo ni ug tabang, kay makapa land prep naman pud, maka patanom naman pud. Ako-a gamiton ang kwarta pagpa land prep ug uban pa nga mga gamitunon sa farm. Ako dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa presidente, kay dako kaayo ug tabang ni sa among pamilya, arun kami maka utro na sad ug pananom karong cropping season,” Apas said.
(This is a huge help because we can now prepare the land and plant again. I will use the money for land preparation and other farm needs. I’m very grateful to the president because this is a big help for our family, and we can plant again during this cropping season.
Alberto Asumbrado, a 41-year-old rice farmer from Almeria Biliran, shared that they were having difficulties with land preparation in their area for farming due to a lack of water supply.
The financial aid was expected to assist him with the expenses related to labor, fertilizers, and other materials required for rice production.
“Dako kaayo nga pasalamat ngadto sa atong mahal nga pangulo sa iya dako kaayo nga tabang na gihatag diri sa Region 8, labi na sa Biliran province; kini makahatag kanamo ug dugang pa nga mga inputs para sa amoa pag-uma,” Asumbrado said.
(We extend our deepest gratitude to our beloved president for the immense help in Region 8, especially in Biliran province. This will provide us with additional inputs for our farming.)
As the region works to recover from El Niño’s impacts, the government’s proactive measures and continuous support serve as a symbol of resilience and optimism for the agricultural communities. (AC – PIA Region VIII)
