THE presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families, one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiatives that provides government services and assistance directly to the people, touched down in Cagayan de Oro City (CDO) yesterday.
The national government distributed a total of P286 million to around 30,000 Cagayanon recipients in CDO on Thursday and Friday, May 16-17.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
The 17th leg of the fair, which spans the entire country, was hosted at multiple locations.
This includes the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Gym, Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Hall, West Central Elementary School, and Pimentel Convention Center.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
“Ito po ang hangarin ng ating mahal na Pangulong Marcos Jr., ang direktang benepisyo sa ating mga mamamayan,” Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines Martin G. Romualdez said during his speech.
“Ang gobyerno na po ang pupunta sa inyo, hatid ang daan-daang programa at mga programa sa ayuda para siguruhing lahat ng mamamayan ay kasama natin sa pag-unlad.”
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
The national government’s program of assisting its impoverished citizens began in 2023, with the goal of ensuring the welfare of the poor, rooted in principles of justice, equity, and social stability for the years to come.
President Marcos Jr. stressed that no Filipino will be left behind as assistance and access to basic aid and necessities will be provided, especially those affected by the extreme heat due to the El Nino phenomenon.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
“Ang sadya po namin dito ay upang personal na iabot sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan ang Presidential Assistance para sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na napinsala o naapektuhan ng El Niño,” President Marcos Jr. said.
“Ito ay para sa mga kuwalipikadong magsasaka, mangingisda, at mga pamilyang labis na naapektuhan ng tag-tuyot na dinadanas natin ngayon. Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula ulit.”
Moreover, President Bongbong Marcos assured the residents of CDO that they have the government beside them, as they face the continuous effects that El Niño brings during this dry season, by providing for their needs.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
“Alam ko pong doble kayod ngayon ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda dito sa inyong lugar sa kabila ng epektong dulot ng El Niño.”
“Sa abot ng aming makakaya, gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat upang maibigay ang kinakailangang suporta at tulong ay agad na maipaparating sa bawat apektadong pamilya, mangingisda, at magsasaka,” Marcos Jr. said.
Meanwhile, the beneficiaries of the program were delighted not only because they received assistance from the government, but also with the idea that the Office of the President along with his colleagues visited their province.
The beneficiaries’ gratitude
In an interview with republicasia, three wives shared and expressed their deepest gratitude for the President. Stating how the BPSF program will aid their families, most especially their husbands who are fishermen.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
“Kaya talaga kami nagpunta rito para makita namin siya, masaya kami dito, kahit umaga pa kami dito, mga 5AM nandito na kami” said Brenda Labalan, a 57-year-old supporter of the President.
For her, no matter what the President does, he can expect that she will support it. Most especially the BPSF, which would be a big help for families like hers, given the situation that the country is facing with El Niño.
“Syempre para makatulong sa mga mahihirap, para sa amin rin ito. Lalo na’t wala kaming trabaho, nasa bahay lang kami. Asawa namin wala ring trabaho, kaya sumama kami dito kasi ang mga asawa namin mga fishermen.”
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old Evelyn Evrogueña shared the same sentiments as Labalan. “Masayang masaya kami kapag nakikita namin siya. Nakita namin siya noong rally, pero hindi kasing lapit ngayon.”
“Malaking tulong yan [BPSF] para sa amin talaga, kasi walang wala kami ngayon. Wala pa kaming [kain] ngayon, ang aga-aga namin dito, para lang talaga makita si BBM,” she added.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
She is also grateful for the idea that the national government are visiting provinces and not just sending the goods and funds. For her, seeing them personally gives hope that their situation will be eased.
Meanwhile, for the 62-year-old Lina Ravidas, receiving help from the government eases their problems. Especially now that the El Niño is continuously affecting their sources of income.
Photo Courtesy: republicasia
“Kahit konting tulong masaya na rin kami. Gagamitin ko ito para sa aming dalawa ng asawa ko, kasi senior na kaming dalawa at may sakit pa. Kahit maging vendor manlang kami kasi hindi siya makapangisda,” she said.
“May bangka kami hanggang ngayon, pero mahirap ang huli sa dagat, walang isda. Kapag walang isda, walang kain, walang bigas.”
Ravidas shared that her husband usually goes ashore by 5:00AM. However, it is hard for them to have a catch brought by the dry season, “Kapag nakakuha naman, minsan isang kilo, minsan wala.”
Meanwhile, these funds that were given to them will be used to either start their own small businesses at home, or as funds for their daily expenses. They also wish that all impoverished communities will receive help from the government.
