June 27, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, collaborated with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Western Visayas and Central Visayas.
During a visit to the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos in Bacolod City, President Marcos assured beneficiaries that no farmer, fisherman, or Filipino would be left behind in their vision for a New Philippines. The Presidential team distributed assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program.
The DSWD played a crucial role by providing Php10,000 cash aid to select beneficiaries through the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program. Social workers from the DSWD assisted approximately 10,000 beneficiaries across three event venues: University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, Binirayan Sports Complex in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique, and Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Centre in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
In addition to Secretary Gatchalian, other officials present included Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos Jr., and local leaders from the provinces.
DSWD-Western and Central Visayas Regional Directors Carmelo Nochete and Shalaine Marie Lucero actively supported Secretary Gatchalian in delivering aid to those affected by the El Niño crisis