Mindanao’s local executives expressed their support for President Marcos’ vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” after he personally went to the region to deliver much-needed financial aid amid the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on farmers and fisherfolk.
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. delivers his speech during the distribution of financial assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and their families at the Sultan Kudarat Sports and Cultural Center on Friday, May 10, 2024. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu described “Bagong Pilipinas” as “the best Philippines we can ever give to the Filipino people.”
“When I received the call last week na darating ang ating mahal na Pangulo [sa ating lalawigan], nasabi po talaga natin na (our beloved President, I really told myself) “Man of Words and Man of Action”. Kaya tayo po sa Sultan Kudarat ay tunay na mapalad (That’s why we are lucky here in Sultan Kudarat),” he said.
“From the bottom of our hearts, Mr. President, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta, sa inyong tiwala, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa sambayanang Pilipino (we thank you for your support, trust, and your love for Filipinos),” the governor added.
During his visit to the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula, Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, General Santos, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Province last Thursday and Friday, May 9 and 10, to provide assistance to farmers and fisherfolk there, the President called for unity to surmount the problems presented by El Niño.
He also said that the aim of “Bagong Pilipinas” is to improve the economy for the benefit of the people.
Marcos led the distribution of P60 million in financial assistance and various government services to farmers and fisherfolk in the Zamboanga Peninsula, P100 million in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato, and P110 million in General Santos, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.
Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu thanked the Chief Executive for personally bringing the presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families to the province, adding that it shows the President’s concern for the country’s agricultural workers.
“I would like to thank the President, very concerned siya. Nakikita ko ‘yung care niya sa farmers natin (he’s very concerned. I can see his care for our farmers). In fact, during our meeting, sabi niya, ‘Agriculture-based tayo na bayan. Paano ma-improve ang economy natin kung hindi natin matulungan ang mga farmers na pinaka-poorest sector of our country (he said, We are an agriculture-based nation. How can we improve our economy if we cannot help our farmers who are the poorest sector of our country)?’” the governor said in a radio interview.
“Very grateful and very thankful kami na mismong Pangulo ang pumunta sa region namin, nagbigay ng tulong, especially sa mga magsasaka natin. [He] expressed concern sa mga farmers natin and fisherfolk (We are very grateful and very thankful that it’s the President himself who went to and helped our region, especially our farmers. He expressed concern to our farmers and fisherfolk,” Yu added.
General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and General Santos City Lone District Rep. Loreto Acharon also showed appreciation for the President’s presence in Mindanao.
“Ang iyong pagkilala sa mga pakikibaka at balakid na nararanasan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda ay nagpapakita ng inyong tunay na pangangalaga at pagmamahal sa kapakanan ng lahat ng miyembro ng ating lipunan (Your acknowledgment of the struggles and challenges being experienced by our farmers and fisherfolk show that you truly care and love the rights of all members of our society),” Pacquiao said.
Acharon, for his part, assured President Marcos that their constituents are “101-percent” supportive of his administration and his brand of governance.
“Ipinangangako po ng ating mga constituents namin ni Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao na kami ay 101-percent susuporta sa iyong administrasyon, sa lahat ng iyong adhikain, sa lahat ng iyong programa, proyekto, iyong mga ninanais na tayo ay magkaroon ng Bagong Pilipinas (My and Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao constituents are 101 percent supportive of your administration, in all your aspirations, in all your programs, projects, your dream for a New Philippines),” the lawmaker said.
“Kakampi niyo kami. Great ally niyo kami (We are on your side. We are your great ally),” he added.