May 01, 2024 - In a recent announcement, President Marcos has pledged financial assistance to laborers in the agriculture and other sectors whose livelihoods have been impacted by the El Niño phenomenon. This aid is part of the government’s ongoing program to alleviate the effects of the persistent drought caused by El Niño.
During his speech at the 122nd Labor Day commemoration at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos stated, "Sa susunod na araw ay magpapaabot tayo ng tulong pinansyal sa mga lubhang naapektuhan ng El Niño sa buong bansa – yaong mga nasiraan ng pananim at kabuhayan dahil sa tagtuyo’t". This translates to “In the coming days, we will extend financial assistance to those severely affected by El Niño across the country – those whose crops and livelihoods have been damaged due to the drought.”
The President also led the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Labor Code of the Philippines, a landmark legislation issued on May 1, 1974, by his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. To commemorate this milestone, President Marcos received the commemorative stamps for the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Labor Code of the Philippines.
The financial aid for workers affected by the El Niño phenomenon is an addition to the ongoing programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The government will prioritize helping those affected in Mindanao.
El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warming sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, has severe impacts on weather and climate, including prolonged dry spells and extreme heat. These conditions have led to significant crop failures and water shortages, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.
As the country grapples with the effects of El Niño, the government’s financial aid program aims to provide much-needed relief to the hardest-hit workers and sectors.