Farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Palawan and Marinduque received a total of PhP952.660 million in financial assistance, services, loan assistance, and subsidies from the government of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Of the figure, a total of PhP99.13 million in financial aid was distributed by the President to Palawan (PhP50 million), Puerto Princesa (PhP10 million) and Marinduque (PhP39.13 million).
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also extended PhP10,000 each to 6,043 beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, or a total of PhP60.430 million.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) gave PhP8.4 million for operations and maintenance subsidy of the irrigator’s association and PhP533.66 million worth of certificates of condonation and exemption for landowners.
The NIA also provided irrigation projects worth PhP201 million for farmers in Papualan, Sumbiling, Timburan, Bagong Bayan, and Apurawan.
On the other hand, the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) allotted PhP20 million for the Survival and Recovery Program and PhP30 million for the Agri-Negosyo Loan Program.
In his speech on Thursday, President Marcos acknowledged the vibrant tourism industry in Palawan and the significant contributions it brings to the Philippine economy.
“Kaya, sa araw na ito, hayaan ninyong kami naman ang mamahagi ng biyaya sa inyo. Kung sanay ang lahat na magdala ng pasalubong mula sa Palawan, kami [naman po] ang magdadala ng pasalubong sa inyo rito sa lahat ng Palaweño,” he said.
All those who attended the event received five kilos of rice from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The DA also distributed seedlings, fertilizers, agricultural equipment such as tractors, rice combine harvester, walk behind transplanter, pump and engine set, hammer mill, corn sheller. Fuel vouchers were also provided.
President Marcos said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also distributed five motorized bancas, three ferry boats, and two units of fish cages for fisherfolk affected by El Niño.
He said the government will provide trainings for farmers under the Agricultural Training Institute of DA . The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) distributed starter toolkits and checks for Training Support Fund.
This developed as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) allotted the budget to support local government units (LGUs) of Dumaran, San Vicente, Roxas, Taytay, Cagayancillo and Aracelli.
The DILG also brought other forms of aid and support to rebel returnees. The agency also extended death benefit assistance. PND
