Bulacan’s agricultural communities received significant assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help them recover from the impacts of Tropical Storm Kristine.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro together with some of the 3,000 Bulakenyo farmers who received the 3,000 boxes of goods from the United Arab Emirates led by (beside Fernando) Mr. Obaid Ahmed Alshehhi, First Secretary of UAE Embassy in Manila, and (top row, left) Mr. Motaz Mohamed Salih Mustafa Mohamed Salih, Program Leader of the Emirates Red Crescent, during the Distribution of Goods from United Arab Emirates to Farmers of Bulacan after the recent onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan. Also in the photo are representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development headed by DSWD Undersecretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Diana Rose S. Cajipe; DSWD Field Office 3 Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela; Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo; and (2nd row, left) Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rowena J. Tiongson. (Photo courtesy of PPAO)
In collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Manila and the Emirates Red Crescent, 3,000 boxes of essential goods were distributed on Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos City.
Each box contained five kilograms of rice, food supplies, hygiene products, and other necessities and was distributed to pre-identified farming communities in various municipalities and cities in Bulacan.
First Secretary of UAE Embassy in Manila Obaid Ahmed Alshehhi and Program Leader of the Emirates Red Crescent Motaz Mohamed Salih Mustafa Mohamed Salih personally delivered the goods.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the UAE government for giving aid to Bulakenyo farmers.
“This generous donation from the United Arab Emirates reflects the strong international partnerships we continue to foster for the welfare of our people. These goods symbolize hope and encouragement for our farmers who tirelessly work to ensure our food security. On behalf of the Bulakenyos, we are truly grateful,” he said.
He also shared plans to further enhance the province’s agricultural sector by establishing facilities such as a Productivity Center, Breeding Center, and Multiplying Center in Doña Remedios Trinidad.
These initiatives aim to boost farmers’ productivity by providing free fertilizers, seedlings, and livestock.
The Provincial Agricultural Office reported that Tropical Storm Kristine caused an estimated P561,695,711.45 in damages to agriculture, affecting 3,388 farmers and fisherfolk.
Fernando said the act of solidarity from the UAE offers much-needed relief and underscores the value of international partnerships in supporting communities in times of need.