Some 1,069 farmers and fishermen from the towns of San Miguel, Obando and San Rafael, who have been affected by El Niño, each received P5,000 financial assistance, food packs, and fertilizer from the provincial government at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center on Tuesday, June 18.
The Provincial Agriculture Office distributed the assistance to the farmers whose crops were affected by El Niño in San Miguel and San Rafael, and fishermen from Obando who experienced incidents of fish kill.
“Nararapat lamang na kayo ay alagaan, suportahan, at bigyang pansin sapagkat, unang-una, kayo ang naglalatag at nagbibigay ng pagkain sa hapag kainan ng mga Pilipino at ng mga Bulakenyo. Salamat po sa inyong pagsusumikap, pagpupursigi (It is appropriate that you are taken care of, supported, and given attention because you are the ones who lay and provide food on the table of the Filipinos and the Bulakenyos. Thank you for your hard work and perseverance)," Gov. Daniel Fernando said.
Vice Gov. Alexis Castro assured the beneficiaries that the Provincial Government will not neglect the agricultural sector.
According to Jimmy Bernandino, a farmer from San Miguel, El Niño has a big impact on their lives because their income has significantly decreased.
He said their income was only sufficient for their daily expenses, therefore, the financial assistance he received will be a great help for him to make a new start on farming activities.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) emphasized the importance of having enough supplies and equipment for the rainy season brought by La Niña.
They advised everyone to have an emergency kit containing food, water, medicine, and other essentials to be prepared for all types of disasters.