President Marcos has distributed nearly P100 million in financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

Marcos handed over P50 million to Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, P25.99 million to Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino Ongchuan, and P19.30 million to Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.

In his speech on Thursday, July 4, the President reiterated the administration's whole-of-government approach to address the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the province that affected over 3,000 families in three municipalities in Samar and Eastern Samar.

He likewise acknowledged the significant contribution of the farmers and fisherfolk to the development of the province and the country.

"Dahil po riyan, narito ang inyong pamahalaan upang iparamdam ang aming suporta sa inyo na
walang-pagod na nagsisikap upang matiyak na mayroong pagkain sa hapag [ang] bawat pamilyang Pilipino (Because of this, your government is here to make you feel our support for you who toil to ensure that we have food on the table),” Marcos said.

President Marcos assured the residents that the government would work double time to improve their lives and ensure that all necessary assistance would be provided to them.

Aside from the financial assistance from the Office of the President, the Chief Executive said the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), provided fishing gear and other equipment.

The Agricultural Credit Policy Council of the DA will also extend a P35-million credit fund for Northern Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Rural Bank of Calbayog City.

Shallow Water Payao systems were also extended to fisherfolk, under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program. The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) provided Shared Service Facilities to the Samar Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) distributed starter toolkits to 50 scholars. It also allocated P300,000 for training support.

President Marcos said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) extended over P6 million to over 1,500 beneficiaries of its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in Almagro, Gandara and Tagapul-an. It also distributed P5.08 million to 161 beneficiaries under the Integrated Livelihood Program, as well as over P650,000 to 85 beneficiaries under the Government Internship Program.