Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families in Region 9 05/09/2024

Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City
May 9, 2024
“Narito po ako ngayon upang personal na masigurong makararating ang mga tulong ng gobyerno sa mga kababayan nating nangangailangan, lalung-lalo na ngayong panahon ng krisis,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he led the distribution of assistance for farmers, fisherfolk and families in a program at the Universidad de Zamboanga Summit Center in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City on 9 May 2024.
In his message, the President emphasized the importance of cooperation among various agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) in intensifying efforts to effectively combat the impacts of El Niño across Region 9 or the Zamboanga Peninsula composed of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.
He cited that more than 3,000 hectares of land in the Region have been affected, underscoring the necessity for immediate government aid to the agriculture sector which is the main livelihood for the residents of Zamboanga Peninsula.
“Minabuti naming makapaghatid ng sari-saring tulong at suporta sa inyo dahil isa kayo sa pinakamalubhang naapektuhan ng El Niño,” he continued.
The DSWD extended financial support amounting to PhP10,000 for 10,000 fisherfolk and farmers. The DA led the monitoring and studying of strategies in cloud seeding operations, irrigation systems and building climate resilient projects while the DOH prioritized the health and water supply needs of those affected by the extreme heat, among many others.
Apart from these, the Office of First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos also brought in the ‘Lab For All’ Caravan to attend to the families’ medical and health needs, alongside the ‘Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair’ by the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“Kita niyo naman po, halos buong pwersa ng pamahalaan ang humaharap sa inyo ngayon dito… Para sa akin kasi, hindi sapat na mabasa ko lang sa mga ulat ang mga suliranin na inyong kinakaharap,” President Marcos Jr. said, reaffirming that the Administration will continue to assist the whole nation as it faces the extreme effects of the crisis.
“Hindi ang lokal na pamahalaan ang dudulog sa Malacañang - ang Malacañang ang pupunta sa mamamayan,” he stated.
Moreover, the Chief Executive called on all the local officials in Region 9 to closely monitor the needs of their constituents and initiate programs that will further provide assistance as the El Niño phenomenon continues.
“Sa ating pagkakaisa, tiyak na matutupad natin ang ating mga mithiin sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay ligtas, produktibo, at masaganang namumuhay,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
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