ANTIQUE – President Ferdinand “Bongbong”Marcos Jr. on Thursday encouraged farmers and fisherfolk on Panay Island to wisely utilize modern technologies, farm machinery, and financial assistance provided by the government.
In San Jose de Buenavista here, he led the distribution of P50-million financial aid to each province of Panay Island (Antique, Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan) including the island-province of Guimaras, which have been affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
The aid will benefit 5,000 agricultural workers from each province.
Guimaras received P28.410 million for 1,841 beneficiaries.
The financial and equipment support falls under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program, initiated by Marcos to aid those severely impacted by El Niño and to bring the national government’s various services closer to the people.
Prior to the turnover ceremony, Marcos and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. handed over 33 sacks of rice seeds, 100 bio-fertilizers to the Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Antique, and 100 sacks of hybrid seeds and 5,000 bio-fertilizer packs to local farmers.
Marcos expressed his belief that these hybrid seeds could increase Antique’s rice production from 4.2 to 6 metric tons per hectare.
Additionally, agricultural equipment such as seven power sprayers, one multicultivator, four wheel tractors, and two combined harvesters were distributed to expedite harvesting processes.
In collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, President Marcos also supported skill development through training programs and resource distribution.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources contributed as well, handing over 37 sets of post-harvest kits and four fiber-reinforced plastic boats to the fisherfolk of Antique.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of using the provided resources wisely to not only enhance local agriculture and fisheries but also to inspire neighboring communities.
He reiterated his commitment to a “whole-of-government” approach to ensure no community is left behind, and all are part of the journey towards a “New Philippines.”
In a media briefing, Assistant Secretary for Television at the Presidential Communications Office, Dale Q. De Vera, affirmed that a total of 61,172 farmers and fisherfolk across the region affected by El Niño would receive P10,000 each.
He clarified that only those who declare severe impacts and are validated by the Department of Agriculture are eligible for this assistance.
The ceremony in Antique was followed by a similar event in Negros Occidental as part of a larger tour aimed at supporting agricultural and fishing communities across the nation.
Also with the President were Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary Rex Gatchalian, BFAR director Isidro Velayo Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Here’s the breakdown of the 61,172 farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries – Aklan (5,023), Antique (7,067), Capiz (8,293), Guimaras (1,841), Iloilo (30,632), and Negros Occidental (8,315).
The Office of the President gave each province 30 days within which to release the assistance to the beneficiaries and submit to it their liquidation reports.
Antique’s Gov. Rhodora Cadiao told President Marcos: “Kami lahat na Antiqueños ay lubos pusong nagpapahayag nang pagpapasalamat para sa inyong walang humpay na suporta.”
With Cadiao welcoming the President were Sen. Loren Legarda and Cong. Antonio Agapito Legarda, among others./PN
