By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the distribution of assistance amounting to P157.95 million to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
During the ceremonial distribution of assistance, Marcos turned over the agricultural equipment and machinery to the representatives of different farmers’ association-beneficiaries in Ilocos Norte.
Marcos distributed units of agri-fishery machinery, seeds, fertilizers, fishing paraphernalia, fuel subsidies, and solar-powered irrigation systems to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers.
“Kami ay nagdala ng karagdagang tulong para sa mga magsasaka, sa mangingisda, at sa mga nag-aalaga ng hayop. Layunin ng mga kagamitan at input na ito mas maging mas mataas ang inyong produksiyon at matulungan na makabangon tayo mula sa epekto ng nagdaang kalamidad,” he said.
“Ang mga tulong na ito ay bahagi lamang ng mas malaking hangarin natin na para sa lahat na isang pagkilala sa sipag at sakripisyo na binubuhos ninyo sa Ilocos at para sa buong bansa,” Marcos added.
Around P99.88 million of the P157.95 million worth of agricultural, fishery, and veterinary interventions came from the Department of Agriculture (DA), while the remaining P58.07 million was provided by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.
Marcos said his administration is committed to providing continued assistance to Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers.
“Lahat po kami sa pamahalaan ay nagkakaisa para mabigyan ng tulong ang ating mga magsasaka at ang ating mga mangingisda,” Marcos said.
The distribution of assistance for farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers in Ilocos Norte is part of the efforts to boost local agri-fishery production, foster sustainable recovery from past calamities in the Ilocos Region, and recognize the farmers’ hard work and sacrifices to help the government in achieving food security and sustaining economic growth.
