LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) — Underscoring the value of collective response amid calamities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded first responders and government agencies for demonstrating exemplary service in aiding communities affected by recent typhoons.
The President, who personally visited and distributed government aid to calamity-hit agricultural workers in Pangasinan on Friday at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here, proudly said that the coordinated efforts, or “bayanihan,” of Filipinos translated into zero casualty from the typhoon Pepito that battered Visayas and Luzon.
“Nais kong pasalamatan ang ating mga ahensya, lokal na pamahalaan, organisasyon, at indibidwal na patuloy na ibinibigay ang kanilang makakaya upang mabilis na maihatid ang tulong sa mga nangangailangan. Higit sa lahat, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga first responders na hindi alintana ang panganib, masiguro lamang ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said.
(I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our agencies, local government units, organizations, and individuals who continue to do their best to swiftly provide assistance to those in need. Above all, I am deeply grateful to our first responders who, without regard for their own safety, ensure the welfare and protection of our fellow citizens.)
During his visit to Pangasinan, the President spearheaded the distribution of P50 million in financial assistance, providing P10,000 each to 5,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers affected by the recent typhoons.
“Sa pangunguna ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo, maglalaan tayo ng tigsa-sampung libong piso para sa limang libong magsasaka at mangingisdang benepisyaryo. Layunin nitong maging unang hakbang upang makaahon muli ang inyong mga kabuhayan,” he said.
(Under the leadership of the Office of the President, we will be providing P10,000 each to 5,000 farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries. This is intended to be the first step in helping you rebuild your livelihoods.)
The President, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), assured that the government will provide assistance to all families affected by the typhoon.
Likewise, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III stated that the financial aid provided to agricultural workers in Pangasinan would significantly aid in the rehabilitation of their livelihoods.
Guico said, “The strong collaboration between Malacañang and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan brings new energy and hope for recovery, with financial aid to agricultural workers significantly assisting in rehabilitating their livelihoods and bringing smiles to those deeply relying on the help of the National Government.”
Salvador Abrera, 74, a farmer from Barangay Tobor in Malasiqui town, shared that nearly one hectare of their land was destroyed by the typhoon.
“Mahirap po ang kalagayan namin dahil ang inaasahan naming kabuhayan ay nasira,” he told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Pangasinan.
(Our situation is difficult because the livelihood we were depending on has been destroyed.)
Abrera said, “Masaya kami ngayon dahil sa tulong-pinansyal mula kay Pangulong Marcos, may pandagdag na gastusin na kami sa bukid – pambili ng abono, pang-upa sa pagtatanim, at makinarya. Maraming-maraming salamat po.”
(We are very happy now because of the financial assistance from President Marcos. We now have additional funds for our farm, such as for buying fertilizer, paying for land rent, and purchasing machinery. Thank you very much.)
Dalisay Moya shared that, of the total number of assisted agricultural workers, 3,185 are farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers whose crops, livestock, and fishery projects were completely destroyed, while 1,815 beneficiaries had partially damaged agricultural products.
The distribution, under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program, covered recipients from the first district with 1,485, the second district with 887, the third district with 552, the fourth district with 941, the fifth district with 886, and the sixth district with 249. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
