President Marcos explained that he was visiting the different areas affected by the El Niño phenomenon to personally see the situation and hear directly from the people the concerns that needed to be addressed.

Marcos said this during the distribution of government aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the drought in Iligan City on Thursday, May 16.

In his speech, the President said he could have let his Cabinet secretaries visit the affected areas but chose to personally see the condition of the affected farmers and fisherfolk and to hear their concerns.

"Pwede ko naman po ihabilin sa aking mga kalihim ang pagdadala ng tulong. Pwede ko rin iatas sa iba ang paghahatid ng serbisyo (I could have asked the other secretaries to deliver the aid and other services)," he said.

"Ngunit kung gagawin ko iyon, hindi ko kayo makakasalamuha. Hindi ko makikita ang inyong tunay na kalagayan. Hindi ko maririnig ang inyong hinaing (But if I will do that, I won't be able to talk to you. I won't be able to see your true situation and hear your concerns)," he added.

According to the President, more areas needed assistance from the government. Last week, he visited Zamboanga City, General Santos City, and Sultan Kudarat to lead the distribution of assistance to those affected by the dry spell.

"Asahan po ninyo ang patuloy naming pag-iikot sa Mindanao at sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa upang masigurong maihahatid namin ang tulong at serbisyo sa taong-bayan (Rest assured that we will go around the country to ensure that you get the help and services that you need)," he said.

"Narito po ang inyong pamahalaan sa lahat ng oras. Sa panahon ng tagtuyot at paparating na tag-ulan, handa po kaming umagapay sa inyong lahat (Your government is here at all times. Whether it's drought or the rainy season, we are ready to assist you all)," he added.

In Iligan City, Marcos led the distribution of presidential assistance worth P10,000 each to El Niño-affected farmers and fisherfolk.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also handed over P10,000 to each beneficiary. The Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez distributed five kilos of rice to each attendee.

President Marcos also handed over P10.54 million to the City of Government of Iligan, P13.92 million to the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, and P24.36 million to the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental.