LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of various government aid to thousands of farmers, fisherfolks, and livestock raisers in Ilocos Norte in a ceremony held at the covered court of Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City on Sept. 11.
A total of P44,373,176.58 and P58,502,822.10 worth of agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA) were distributed to the recipients of the first and second districts, respectively.
These support include hand tractors, combine harvesters, four-wheel tractors, hybrid seeds, and fertilizers, among others.
Moreover, 4,194 units of machinery and inputs amounting to P58,079,460 from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) were given to select farmer associations in the province.
Recipients received fishery paraphernalia, fuel subsidy, and a solar-powered irrigation system, among others.
“Habang tayo ay nagsi-celebrate ng birthday ng aking ama, ang dating pangulo, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr., habang mayroon tayong selebrasyon ay hindi natin makakalimutan ang mannalon at mangngalap natin,” said Marcos Jr. in his message during the ceremonial distribution.
(While we are celebrating my father’s birthday, the former president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr., as we have our celebration, we must not forget our farmers and fisherfolk.)
President Marcos said that these programs of DA and PAO aimed at boosting the agricultural productivity of farmers and helping them recover from the impacts of recent calamities.
“Ang mga tulong na ito ay bahagi lamang ng mas malaking hangarin natin na para sa lahat—na isang pagkilala sa sipag at sakripisyo na ibinubuhos ninyo sa Ilocos at para sa buong bansa,” said the president.
(These aids are just a part of our larger goal for everyone—a recognition of the hard work and sacrifices you make in Ilocos and for the entire country.)
Jhoan Daguro, a 37-year-old farmer from Marcos town, thanked the president for the tractor that their association received, which they can use in their fields.
“I am grateful to the president for coming here to personally give us farmers the machinery that benefits us,” said Daguro.
The president also assured continuing assistance for farmers and fisherfolk through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the administration as a whole.
On behalf of the 600,000 Ilokanos, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc thanked the president for his assistance and support for agriculture in the province.
“Let’s make sure na talagang i-maintain itong mga machinery, talagang maganda, equitable ang paggamit, fair sa ating lahat, sa lahat ng ating mga members ng cooperative, at i-maximize itong bagong teknolohiya,” said Manotoc.
(Let’s make sure to properly maintain these machinery, ensure that their use is equitable and fair for everyone, for all our cooperative members, and fully maximize this new technology.)
The ceremonial distribution is part of the activities set for the commemoration of the 107th birth anniversary of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
