House Speaker Martin Romualdez (rightmost) leads the distribution of P10,000 ayuda to displaced sugar farmers in Balayan, Batangas. (Speaker's office)



House Speaker Martin Romualdez has led the distribution of P10,000 worth of cash assistance or "ayuda" each to some 800 sugar farmers in Batangas whose livelihood were adversely affected by the closure of the largest sugar mill in the province. The P10,000 worth of assistance was sourced by the Speaker's office from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. “Today, as we distribute these much-needed resources, we are not just providing financial support; we are also offering a glimmer of hope, a symbol of solidarity, and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles," Romualdez said on Tuesday, May 30. "It is my firm belief that by working together and supporting one another, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way,” he said. The distribution was held in Balayan, Batangas. Following the closure of Central Azucarera de Don Pedro, Inc. (CADPI) in Nasugbu, Batangas, the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform together with Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas sought last February the assistance of Speaker Romualdez. He subsequently moved to secure the funds. “Maliit na halaga po lamang ito. Pero tiwala ako na kahit paano, makakatulong ito para maituwid sa gutom ang mga naapektuhang pamilya (This is just a small amount. But I still believe that it can help save the affected families from hunger),” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. Romualdez noted that the closure of CADPI--also the largest sugar mill in the whole Region IV and the 2nd largest in Luzon--had stripped 12,000 farm workers of regular jobs; placed the farms of more than 8,772 farmers at risk; and displaced 125 mill workers. He underscored that in times of crisis and adversity, it is everyone’s duty to stand together and extend a helping hand to those in need. “That is why I am immensely proud to share with you today the collaborative efforts of the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, and the House Speaker's Office,” the Speaker said. Brosas, a Makabayan member, belongs to the minority bloc in the House of Representatives.