BUTUAN CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, June 20, distributed financial aid to 11,905 farmers, fisherfolks, and their families severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon in the Caraga region.
Beneficiaries from Tandag City, Surigao del Sur and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte received P10,000 each from the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolks, and their Families (PAFFF) program.
MARCOS (FB)
The event coincided with the 64th Araw ng Surigao del Sur celebration.
The PAFFF which started last May 9 aims to help farmers and fishermen who are most vulnerable to the effects of El Nino.
Marcos said he wants to ensure that help is available to farmers and fishermen, the sectors who bring food to the table of every Filipino.
“I am here, along with some members of the Cabinet and several government agencies, to personally deliver service and assistance to you,” Marcos told beneficiaries.
“Batid ko ang inyong dinanas sa El Nino kaya nandito kami upang personal na ibigay sa inyo ang tulong ng ating pamahalaan, at asahan po ninyo na patuloy kaming maghanap upang matugunan ang inyong pangangailangan (You suffered from El Nino and I am here to personally distribute assistance from the government. The government will continue to provide assistance to you),” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos also distributed farm equipment and machineries and seeds totaling P119 million to beneficiaries.
He urged them to take advantage of government assistance and start anew.
Marcos said multi-billion infrastructure projects in the region are ongoing, among them the 80.3-kilometer concrete road from Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte to Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, that will reduce travel time from three hours to an hour and 15 minutes when completed.
The project started last April 2015 and is 41.6 percent as of this month. It is expected to be completed in December 2031.
Department of Public Works and Highways-13 Regional Director Engr. Pol M. delos Santos said these infrastructure projects, including the Logistical National Highway project, are part of Marcos’ Serbisyong May Bilis: Building Better More for a New Philippines (BBM-NP) program.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance to farmers, fishermen, and their families in the region under the government’s Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita program.
Marcos said the program highlights the administration’s dedication to aiding vulnerable affected communities and ensuring food security in the face of environmental challenges.
PAFFF distribution activities have been conducted in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama of the Presidential Communications Office.
Marcos was welcomed here by Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, and Agusan del Norte Reps. Jose Aquino II and Rep. Dale Corvera.