June 28, 2024 - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to continue programs aimed at enhancing the livelihood of Boholanos, particularly farmers and fisherfolk. He made this commitment during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFF) in the province.
"We will not stop and we will not tire in our efforts to address your needs. We will relentlessly implement programs that will benefit you, carry out various projects that will bring comfort to your lives, and invest in your welfare and prosperity," the President stated.
He led the ceremonial distribution of PhP100 million in cash assistance to the provincial governments of Bohol and Cebu. "My fellow Filipinos, we are bringing a hundred million pesos in cash assistance for Boholano and Cebuano farmers, fisherfolk, and their families. Fifty million pesos each has been allocated for the two provinces, and each beneficiary will receive ten thousand pesos," the President said.
The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives also provided five kilos of rice to each attendee.
President Marcos also mentioned the loan program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). He said the agency will distribute two four-wheel drive tractors, fertilizers, sacks of rice and corn seeds, coconut seedlings, and various farm tools.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will provide livelihood kits worth PhP8,000 for nine former rebels through the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program.
The President added that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will extend over PhP2.3 million to more than 100 beneficiaries of the Integrated Livelihood Program. More than PhP1.8 million will be handed over to almost 400 beneficiaries of the TUPAD program.
There will also be a training support fund for 20 beneficiaries and starter tool kits of shielded metal arc welding for another 20 beneficiaries.
The President also announced the near completion of the Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation projects, which will irrigate more than 530 hectares of farmland in the municipalities of Mabini and Alicia.
"I know that over thirteen thousand families and more than fourteen thousand farmers and fisherfolk in Bohol were severely affected by El Niño in recent months. So I hope that the government's programs and the assistance we are bringing will help you fully recover from the challenges you are facing," the President said.
Meanwhile, the President expressed hope that the country would not experience destructive calamities this year. He assured Filipinos of the government's presence when disasters strike.
"We have allocated funds, food packs, and other assistance if needed," he said.
The Chief Executive also called for strong collaboration between the local and national governments to achieve common goals.
"I urge the heads of national and local government agencies to unite so that we can achieve our goal of leaving no one behind on the journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Let us ensure that the assistance we are providing reaches all of the beneficiaries," the President said.
In addition to the above, here are some other key points from the President's speech:
- The government is committed to providing support to farmers and fisherfolk who have been affected by El Niño.
- The government is investing in infrastructure projects that will benefit rural communities.
- The government is calling for strong collaboration between the local and national governments to achieve common goals.
The President's commitment to improving the lives of farmers and fisherfolk is a welcome development for many Filipinos. These sectors are essential to the country's economy, and any support that can be provided to them will have a ripple effect throughout the country.