
By Ercel Maandig and Nef Luczon | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to parts of Northern Mindanao on Thursday rolled in P168.8 million worth of assistance and projects, primarily in the areas of health care, agriculture, and infrastructure.
One of the recipient areas was Iligan City where, according to Mayor Frederick Siao, services under the “Bagong Pilipinas” paradigm of the Marcos administration have a “transformative impact”.
“It is profoundly felt by every Iliganon. From infrastructure projects to health care expansion and support programs like the ‘Kadiwa sa Pangulo,’ your (Marcos’) dedication to progress is unwavering,” he said.
In his speech during the distribution of aid to El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk in Iligan City, Marcos vowed that the government would ensure that all parts of Mindanao and the whole country get the necessary assistance, especially the remote areas.
The P168.8 million in financial assistance was distributed by the President to fisherfolk, farmers, and low-income and vulnerable families in Northern Mindanao as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the effects of El Niño.
Of the figure, P50 million each was distributed to the local governments of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, P24.3 million to Misamis Occidental, P13.9 million to Lanao del Norte, P10.5 million to Iligan City, and P10 million each to Cagayan de Oro City and Camiguin.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided P10,000 in financial assistance to 9,588 beneficiaries in Iligan City and 10,000 recipients in Cagayan de Oro City through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Program.
In this city, 38,000 individuals benefited from various government assistance.