BBM Gives ₱100-M Financial Assistance To El Niño-Hit Farmers

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday extended over PHP100 million in financial assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Central Visayas.

President Marcos has consistently emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach to ensure no Filipino is left behind. I Photo: Bongbong Marcos Facebook

During an aid distribution event in Bohol, President Marcos handed over PHP50 million each to Bohol acting Governor Victor Balite and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provided PHP10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries from Bohol and 10,000 from Cebu under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Each attendee received five kilos of rice from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez of the House of Representatives.

Government records show that 48 local government units (LGUs) in Bohol were declared under a state of calamity as of June 25 due to El Niño, affecting 13,383 families. Agricultural losses in Central Visayas amounted to PHP1.44 billion, impacting 70,567 farmers and fisherfolk.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) offered farm machinery, equipment, seeds, fertilizers, hauler and fiberglass boats, fishing paraphernalia, and loan programs.

Additionally, beneficiaries received support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided training support funds and starter toolkits, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) distributed livelihood toolkits.

In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the need for a whole-of-government approach to ensure no Filipino is left behind.

"Ang pamamahagi natin [ng] tulong ngayong araw na ito ay nakatuon sa mga magsasaka, at sa mangingisda, at siyempre sa kanilang mga pamilya," he said. He assured the public of continued government efforts to meet their needs, especially with the anticipated La Niña in the coming months.