MANILA -- In his relentless drive to personally see to it that El Niño-hit Filipinos in Mindanao get help from the government, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself distributed on Friday a total of PhP110 million in cash assistance to the local governments of General Santos, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Province.

Implementing the whole of government approach to assist needy localities in the south, the Chief Executive also led government agencies to deliver aids in various forms for farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by the extreme weather condition still prevailing in the country.

The President handed over PhP10 million in presidential assistance to General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao and PhP50 million each to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Sarangani Province Governor Rogelio Pacquiao.

Presidential assistance provided were irrigation projects, rice mill facilities, farming tools, and fertilizers for farmers as well as help for fisherfolk from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provided PhP 10,000 financial assistance each to 10,000 beneficiaries and their families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program.

At least 38 beneficiaries received payouts from Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

On the other hand, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided livelihood toolkits to 10 beneficiaries. It also gave allowance for scholars. President Marcos reminded qualified beneficiaries to coordinate with their respective local government units to acquire financial assistance worth Php 10,000.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez distributed five kilos of rice to local residents.

In his speech during the distribution of assistance at the Lagao Gymnasium, President Marcos commended the invaluable contributions of General Santos City and South Cotabato to the country’s food security and agricultural sector.

He said the people of the region not only showed diligence in their work, but also utilized technologies that help increase their production, achieving their goal of improving communities.

The President also stressed the government’s support to empower the beneficiaries, and help them get through the effects of climate change.

“Kaya ang pagpunta ko rito ay hindi lang upang personal na magsabi ng maraming salamat sa ating mga kaibigan dito sa GenSan at sa South Cotabato, pero upang magpahayag rin ng tiwala at magpamalas ng vote of confidence sa inyong kakayahan na makamit ang isang masagana at maaliwalas na bukas,” President Marcos said.

“Nandito po kami ngayon upang makapagbigay ng tulong at ayuda sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at kanilang pamilya sa gitna ng ating nararanasan na tagtuyot na dala ng El Niño,” he added.

He vowed to alleviate the impact of the El Niño phenomenon that currently affects more than three million Filipinos.

Amid the environmental and economic challenges, the President emphasized the importance of unity of Filipinos and ‘support for one another’. He said the government will continue its commitment to help those in need, and asked for Filipinos to be with him as they pursue a “Bagong Pilipinas” they deserve.

“Sa ating pagkakaisa, tiyak ako na makakabangon tayo kahit ano mang unos ang ating kaharapin, dahil kilala natin ang ugali ng Pilipino na matatag at pagiging maabilidad.

Magtulungan po tayong lahat, kasama ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, mga lokal na pamahalaan, mga komunidad, upang malampasan natin ang mga pagsubok na ito,” the chief executive said.

“Ito na po ang epekto ng sinasabi nating climate change na siyang nagdudulot ng matinding init, malalakas na bagyo, El Niño, at La Niña.Isa lang po ang tinitiyak ko, narito po ang inyong pamahalaan at hindi po kami magkukulang sa pag-alalay sa inyo,” he said.

Ang hiling ko lamang ay suportahan din ninyo ang pamahalaan upang maisakatuparan natin ang ating mga plano at programa,” he added.

President Marcos also distributed Presidential Assistance in Zamboanga City on Thursday where he assured that government support and resources are available for those affected by El Niño. (PND)