PBBM in Zamboanga City, meets military, distributes assistance
By Liza Jocson
MARCOS troops the line in Zamboanga City.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met the military and distributed assistance to indigenous groups during a visit here on Friday, Nov. 28.
The highlight of his visit was the traditional Talk to the Troops where the President cited the Western Mindanao Command’s successful efforts in addressing internal threats and acknowledged their ongoing transition from internal defense operations to external defense operations.
He stressed the administration’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces’ efforts in safeguarding national security and emphasized the importance of sustaining regional security gains while adapting to evolving defense challenges.
Marcos was accompanied by key military and government officials, including Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Undersecretary Angelito de Leon of the Department of National Defense, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr.
Marcos led the distribution of assistance to 600 members of the Sama Badjao, Sama Banguingui, Yakan, and Kolibugan groups from this city under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Serbisyo Caravan.
The caravan featured a range of services provided by the Department of Health (DOH) such as medical consultations, blood pressure and hemoglobin testing, nutrition counseling, and family planning services.
The distribution of hygiene kits, oral health kits, and collapsible jerry cans highlighted the government's focus on improving health and sanitation in underserved areas.
The President announced the turnover of P5,575,250 in wages under the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program, benefiting 1,276 disadvantaged workers and providing them with much-needed financial support and job opportunities.
Marcos distributed 10 initial fishing boats, complete with accessories, to 150 members of the Maasin Fisherfolk Association. This initiative, part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Pag-abot Program, aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and empower local communities economically.