President Marcos on Thursday distributed P158.15 million in aid to nearly 12,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and their families affected by El Niño in the CARAGA region.
The aid supports the region’s development and addresses the impact of the drought.
During visits to Surigao del Sur and Butuan City, Marcos handed over financial assistance, including P12.48 million to Surigao del Sur, P50 million to Agusan del Sur, P46.84 million to Butuan City, P28.26 million to Agusan del Norte, P10.57 million to Surigao del Norte, and P10 million to Dinagat Islands.
“Just like you, the government is working hard to make Butuan even stronger as the center of trade, industry, and governance here in Caraga,” President Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of aid in Butuan City on Thursday.
P60 million will be distributed through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including P10,000 in cash assistance for 9,195 beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program and another P10,000 in presidential assistance for farmers, fisherfolk, and selected families.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s office also provided five kilos of rice to each beneficiary.
The DA will supply farm machinery, equipment, and credit assistance. TESDA will offer livelihood starter tool kits and training allowances, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will provide financial aid through various programs.
President Marcos urged residents to prepare for the upcoming La Niña season, assuring readiness with funds and food supplies for potential calamities.
The CARAGA region, comprising Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, continues to receive government support to mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
