President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the distribution of more than P20 million in aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
Each province received P10 million, with farmers and fisherfolk receiving P10,000 each.
In his speech during the aid distribution, the President said the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was placed under a state of calamity due to El Niño.
“I want to let you know that your government is working hard to reduce its impact on our daily lives,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I am a witness to your hard work and excellence. So, expect that we will continue to strive hard to provide you with the right service and care so that you can achieve your dreams in life,” he added.
Expressing gratitude for their sacrifices, Marcos assured ongoing support for food security. The event, attended by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and 80 representatives, coincided with the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries, while the Office of the House Speaker provided five kilos of rice per attendee. Several government agencies participated in hopes of alleviating the effects of El Niño in BARMM.