By Daniel Que
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan –President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distributed P50- million in cash assistance to 5,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by recent typhoons in Pangasinan on November 22, 2024.
Each beneficiary from first to sixth congressional districts received P10,000 as part of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) program.
During the event at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, Marcos was joined by several key officials, including Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, Department of Agriculture Secretary Kiko Laurel, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, and other local officials. The assistance aims to help victims recover from the devastating impact of the typhoons.
In his speech, Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by climate change-induced disasters, highlighting the urgent need for continuous collaboration between national and local agencies.
“Nagsimula po ang Presidential Assistance dahil sa El Niño. Talagang natuyot ang lahat, kaya’t kailangan nating tulungan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” President Marcos said.
He commended the efforts of local officials and first responders for their tireless work in delivering aid amidst the crisis.
The President also announced plans to provide further assistance to typhoon-affected families, including temporary housing for displaced residents and continued support for farmers and fishermen to rebuild their livelihoods.
“Nasaksihan natin ang diwa ng ating bayanihan. Sa bawat puso na nagmamalasakit at sa bawat kamay na tumutulong, malinaw ang ating mensahe: Sa harap ng unos, hindi tayo nag-iisa,” President Marcos said, stressing the importance of unity and bayanihan (communal unity) in overcoming challenges. He also called for improved disaster preparedness, urging the use of geohazard maps to guide local governments in ensuring the safety of their communities.
Dalisay Moya, provincial agriculturist said that of the total number of assisted agricultural workers, 3,185 are farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers whose crops, livestock, and fishery projects were completely destroyed, while 1,815 beneficiaries had partially damaged agricultural products.
The distribution, under the PAFFF program, covered recipients from the first district with 1,485, the second district with 887, the third district with 552, the fourth district with 941, the fifth district with 886, and the sixth district with 249.