President Marcos has assured farmers and fisherfolk in Davao del Norte that they will not be abandoned amid the challenges brought by the El Niño phenomenon.

In his speech during the distribution of government assistance in Tagum City on Thursday, June 6, Marcos recognized the challenges they are facing, vowing them that the national and local governments will continue to work together to assist them.

“Wala nang mas bibigat pa sa pakiramdam na masaksihan na unti-unting namamatay ang mga pananim o natutuyuan ang mga palaisdaan dahil sa matinding tag-araw (Nothing feels heavier than to witness that crops are dying or the fisheries are affected by the drought)," Marcos said.

"Kaya po ay hindi po namin kayo pababayaan. Kayo po ang sandigan ng ating bayan sa pag-unlad kung kaya’t hindi kami titigil sa pag-agapay sa inyong lahat (We will not abandon you. You are our nation's pillar to progress, so we will not stop on helping you out)," Marcos told them.

Marcos cited latest data showing that over 1,000 families from 16 barangays in Davao Region were greatly affected by El Niño with an estimated cost of damage at P50 million.

The President said at least 10,000 beneficiaries from all provinces of Davao Region will receive P10,000 each.

During the distribution of assistance, affected residents received rice assistance and 19,000 food packs worth P15 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Marcos also said around P10 million worth of assistance will also be distributed in Davao del Norte, which include the units of rice combine harvesters, floating tillers, walk behind transplanters, and four-wheel tractors that will be distributed to Purok 4 Anibongan Carmen Irrigators Association.

Some goats were also provided to farmers along with fertilizers and other equipment under the Coconut Fertilization Project of the government.

Thirty units of boats, “FB Pagbabago Boats,” were also given to fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive also ordered the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to expand the supply of fish through the aquaculture production and planting of mangroves.

He said the assistance is part of the P60 million intended to be distributed to all affected farmers and fisherfolk in Davao Region, which include the financial assistance and technical support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

He said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have also provided funds for El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk.