DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 6 June)—President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured on Thursday that the national government will help the farmers who are severely affected by the onslaught of El Niño in Davao Region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distributes farm machineries in Tagum, Davao del Norte on Thursday (6 June 2024). Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office
During his speech at the distribution of presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City, Marcos said that the El Niño has affected more than 1,000 families in the region.
“Wala nang mas bibigat pa sa pakiramdam na masaksihan na unti-unting namamatay ang mga pananim o natutuyuan ang mga palaisdaan dahil sa matinding tag-araw (There is nothing more painful than witnessing the crops slowly dying or the fisheries drying up due to the intense heat),” he said.
He told the farmers that the national government is working closely with the local government units to ensure that support will reach the affected farmers, fishers, and their families.
Marcos led the turnover of various projects amounting to P36 million, including agri-fishery livelihood projects, post-harvest facility, equipment and materials under the Department of Agriculture, fiberglass reinforced plastic boats, fishing gear and paraphernalia under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and toolkits under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
President Marcos also distributed cash assistance amounting to P30 million or P10 million each to select beneficiaries in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental.
Marcos added that he has directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and BFAR to improve the supply of fish through aquaculture production and planting of mangroves.
“Ito ay bahagi ng halos animnapung milyong pisong nakalaan para sa distribusyon ng tulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa inyong rehiyon, upang makabangon tayo muli mula sa pinsalang dulot ng El Niño (This is part of the nearly P60 million earmarked for the distribution of aid to farmers and fishermen in your region, so that we can recover from the damage caused by El Niño),” he said.
Aside from this, Marcos said he also asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to hasten the remaining flood control projects in Davao del Norte, where some areas suffered from severe flooding during the first quarter of this year due to low pressure area.
He added that the flood control projects also help store fresh water supply for irrigation and household use. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
