Negrenses Grateful for Over PHP600-Million Aid from President Marcos
BACOLOD CITY—President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of approximately PHP608 million in financial support, agricultural projects, and other assistance from the national government during his visit to Bacolod City on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Philippines News Agency, the President addressed thousands of beneficiaries of the El Niño cash assistance in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos football field. “We are here in Bacolod to show our love and support to the true heroes of our times – you. Those who persevere for our country,” the President said.
Some 8,315 farmers and fisherfolk severely affected by drought received PHP10,000 each, totaling PHP83.15 million from the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) funded by the Office of the President (OP). Marilyn Deita, a 58-year-old farmer from Barangay Rizal, Sagay City, plans to use the cash aid to buy rice seeds and resume planting sugarcane. Fish vendor Roger Alibuda, 54, from Barangay Banago in Bacolod City, expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, which will help augment his capital and cover his children’s school expenses.
Each beneficiary also received five kilos of rice from the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez stated that the assistance ensures the agriculture sector can thrive despite climate challenges and economic difficulties. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson noted that the financial aid and resources bring significant relief and hope to many Negrenses.
The President also provided monetary support of PHP10 million to Bacolod City and PHP50 million to the province of Negros Occidental from the OP-Socio Civic Project Funds. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies allocated PHP457.897 million in interventions, including small irrigation projects, planting materials, and livestock support. Thirteen barangays from Silay City received PHP5.179 million for wages under the Department of Labor and Employment’s emergency employment program. The Department of Trade and Industry funded PHP1.05 million for shared service facilities, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority allocated PHP477,620 for starter tool kits and training support.