Around PHP952.660-million financial assistance, services, loan assistance, and subsidies were given to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Palawan and Marinduque.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of various government assistance in a ceremony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Thursday.

Of the figure, PHP99.13 million in financial aid was distributed by the President to the local governments of Palawan (PHP50 million), Puerto Princesa (PHP10 million), and Marinduque (PHP39.13 million).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also gave PHP10,000 each to 6,043 beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), meanwhile, gave PHP8.4 million for operations and maintenance subsidy of the irrigator’s association and PHP533.66 million worth of certificates of condonation and exemption for landowners.

The NIA also provided irrigation projects worth PHP201 million to farmers in Papualan, Sumbiling, Timburan, Bagong Bayan, and Apurawan.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) allotted PHP20 million for the Survival and Recovery Program and PHP30 million for the Agri-Negosyo Loan Program.

In his speech on Thursday, Marcos acknowledged the vibrant tourism industry in Palawan and the significant contributions it brings to the Philippine economy.

“Kaya, sa araw na ito, hayaan ninyong kami naman ang mamahagi ng biyaya sa inyo. Kung sanay ang lahat na magdala ng pasalubong mula sa Palawan, kami [naman po] ang magdadala ng pasalubong sa inyo rito sa lahat ng Palaweño (Today, let us be the ones to distribute grace to you. If everyone is used to bringing gifts from Palawan, now we will bring gifts to you here to all Palaweños),” he said.

All those who attended the event also received five kilos of rice from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

P140-M standby funds

Marcos also said the government has allotted some PHP140 million for standby funds and stockpile for the Mimaropa Region in preparation for the advent of the La Niña phenomenon.

Of the figure, PHP5 million is for standby funds; PHP102,770,100 for food packs; and PHP32,342,633 for non-food items.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recently raised the La Niña warning, announcing that there is a 70 percent chance the phenomenon will occur starting next month.

La Niña is characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific which triggers above-average rainfall in the country. (PNA)