President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of more than P600 million in financial assistance and other interventions to Negros Occidental farmers and fisherfolk severely affected by the El Niño drought at rites in Bacolod City on Thursday, June 27.
Marcos said he is excited to see the impact it will have on the economy, especially since the province is now part of the Negros Island Region.
The president led the ceremonial distribution of P83.1 million to 8,315 farmers and fisherfolk, who will each receive P10,000, at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos football field.
Farm machineries, small scale irrigation, hauling trucks, planting materials, fiberglass fishing boats and other forms of assistance totaling P457,897,760 were also among the national government aid allocated for Negros Occidental.
The president also gave P50 million to the Negros Occidental provincial government and P 10 million to the Bacolod City government.
Marcos also announced that Speaker Martin Romualdez and the congressmen were giving five kilos of rice each to the farmers and fisherfolk present at the UNO-R rites.
The president stressed that his administration continues implement projects for the betterment of the lives of the people of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
He cited the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway and the Asenso Yuhum Residences in Bacolod City.
“As your President, my dream is a prosperous country where everyone can live with dignity and certainty in their future,” he said in his speech.
“I promise that no farmer, or fisherman, or any Filipino will be left behind in our dream for a New Philippines,” Marcos said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez thanked the president for his concern and help.
Lacson said the financial aid and additional resources that the president is providing to those severely affected by the El Niño drought “will result in significant relief and bring hope to many in our province”.
Lacson said the comprehensive aid Marcos gave on Thursday in the form of financial support, agricultural inputs, the infrastructure development and livelihood support “will undoubtedly recharge and revitalize our agricultural sector despite the drought”.
“With the signing of the NIR Act into law and the distribution of assistance today, we know we can always count on you to stand with us through challenges and triumphs alike,” Lacson told the president.
Benitez also thanked the president for the NIR and “for making our dream of One Negros a reality. We foresee a brighter future with the establishment of the NIR through coordinated development”.
He also thanked the president for the assistance given to the farmers and fisherfolk.
“The benefits of this program to Bacolod are immense. It will not only boost the agricultural productivity and economic stability of our farmers and fisherfolk but also enhance the overall resilience and sustainability of our city. The program will create new opportunities for growth and development, ensuring a better quality of life for all Bacolodnons”, he said.
“By providing resources and support, you are helping to ensure that our agricultural sector can thrive, even in the face of climate challenges and economic difficulties. You are providing relief to economic stress experienced by our farmers and fisherfolk, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. This strengthens the disaster resilience of our communities,” Benitez said.*