From October to November 2024, six powerful typhoons—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito—battered the Philippines, destroying homes, jobs, and dreams.
The heavy rains, strong winds, and floods tested many families, yet they held onto hope as they rebuilt with the help of others.
On November 22, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Pangasinan to provide Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) across Districts 1 to 6, offering vital support for their recovery.
A total of 5,000 individuals affected by the recent typhoons received P10,000 each at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen.
PAFFF: Aid for farmers and fisherfolks
The PAFFF is a government initiative that provides financial aid and livelihood support to help much-needed communities, particularly farmers, fisherfolk, and their families, overcome challenges such as natural disasters, economic hardships, and other crises.
“Nagsimula po ang Presidential Assistance dahil sa El Niño. Talagang natuyot ang lahat, kaya’t kailangan nating tulungan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” President Marcos said.
(The Presidential Assistance Program was initiated due to the El Niño phenomenon. With the severe drought that ensued, it became imperative to provide aid to our farmers and fisherfolk.)
This assistance is aimed at stabilizing their income, improving their livelihoods, and ensuring their resilience and sustainability in the face of adversity.
Rebuilding livelihoods after the storm
Salvador Abrera, 74, from Barangay Tobor in Malasiqui, is one of the thousands of farmers in Pangasinan whose livelihood has been severely affected by consecutive typhoons.
“Mahirap po ang kalagayan namin dahil ang inaasahan naming kabuhayan ay nasira. Kaya po 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,” he said.
(Our situation was dire as our primary source of livelihood was devastated. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for the financial assistance provided by President Marcos. This additional funding will allow us to purchase much-needed farm inputs, such as fertilizers, rental fees for agricultural land, and machinery.)
He shared with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Pangasinan that nearly one hectare of their crops has been destroyed by the typhoons.
Because of this, he could not contain his emotions of joy and gratitude towards President Marcos for the financial assistance he received, which was a big help in rebuilding their livelihoods after the storm.
Overcoming adversity to secure a future
Although Arnulfo Abaya, 75, had difficulty speaking due to his condition after suffering a stroke, he still made an effort to go, accompanied by his wife, to receive financial assistance from President Marcos.
“Talagang nahirapan ako sa pag-aasikaso ng aming palayan dahil hindi ako makagalaw ng normal dahil sa pagkaka-stroke, at marami talagang nasira sa palayan. Kaya’t maraming-maraming salamat po sa tulong pinansyal na ipinaabot ni Pangulong Marcos,” he said.
(I encountered significant difficulties in managing our rice farm due to the limitations caused by my stroke, resulting in substantial crop damage. Therefore, I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance provided by President Marcos.)
Abaya is a retired police officer and farmer from Barangay Aloleng in Agno who was affected by consecutive typhoons.
Restoring hope for rice farmers
Arturo Cudal, 85, a farmer from Barangay San Pedro in San Fabian, expressed that President Marcos is doing a great job helping those affected by disasters and providing assistance to farmers.
“Marami ang nasirang palay namin dahil ang mga dapat sana na aanihin ay pinadapa ng bagyo, at dahil sa sobrang taas ng tubig, maraming palayan ang nasira. Maraming salamat kay Pangulong Marcos dahil mayroon na kaming ipangbibili ng binhi, pataba ng palay, at abono,” he said.
(A significant portion of our rice crop was destroyed due to a typhoon that leveled our ready-to-harvest fields. The excessive flooding caused further damage to many rice paddies. We are deeply grateful to President Marcos for the financial assistance, which will enable us to purchase seeds, rice fertilizer, and other necessary agricultural inputs.)
Fishing for a fresh start after a typhoon
Segundario Peñalosa, 65, a fisherman from Barangay Nangalisan in Infanta, shared that many of their boats were damaged, making it difficult for them to earn a living due to the typhoon.
“Gagamitin ko po ito sa mga nasirang bangka upang magkaroon kami ng pagkakataon na makapaghanapbuhay muli. Kaya’t maraming-maraming salamat po sa Panginoon at kay Pangulong Marcos dahil binigyan niya kami, mga taga-Infanta, ng tulong pinansyal. Hindi po ako sanay, at ngayon lang po ako nakatanggap ng ganitong tulong,” he said.
(I will use these funds to repair our damaged boats, allowing us to resume our fishing activities and provide for our families. I am immensely grateful to the Lord and to President Marcos for providing this financial assistance to the people of Infanta. I am unaccustomed to receiving such help and am truly thankful.)
A fisherman’s gratitude amidst stormy challenges
Saturnino Soriano, 60, a fisherman from Barangay Buenlag East in Binmaley, shared that during the recent typhoon, they were at the shoreline when the strong winds hit.
The waves were so high, and they feared for their safety and the safety of their boats.
The storm caused damage to their source of income.
“Nagpapasalamat ako dahil isa ako sa mga nabigyan ng tulong pinansyal ni Pangulong Marcos. Mayroon na kaming panggastos sa bahay, tulad ng pambayad sa kuryente,” he said.
(I am grateful for being one of the beneficiaries of President Marcos’s financial assistance. This aid will allow us to meet our household expenses, such as our electricity bill.)
Spirit of ‘Bayanihan’
“Nasaksihan natin ang diwa ng ating bayanihan. Sa bawat puso na nagmamalasakit at sa bawat kamay na tumutulong, malinaw ang ating mensahe: Sa harap ng unos, hindi tayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said, expressing his gratitude to the disaster first responders who, despite the dangers, ensure the welfare and safety of their fellow citizens.
(We have witnessed the true essence of our bayanihan spirit. With every compassionate heart and every helping hand, our message is clear: In the face of adversity, we stand united.)
The consecutive typhoons in this year tested many families.
With financial aid and livelihood support from President Marcos’ PAFFF program, they are finding hope and recovery.
Their expression of gratitude is a reflection of how they come together and remain resilient despite difficulties.
Likewise, the President also visited Bambang in Nueva Vizcaya, as well as Ilagan and Cabagan in Isabela, on November 22 to distribute assistance aimed at providing support and addressing the needs of the communities. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
