Marcos gives P157-M aid to Ilocos Norte agri-fishery beneficiaries

MANILA - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the distribution of assistance amounting to PHP157.95 million to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. During the ceremonial distribution of assistance, Marcos turned over the agricultural equipment and machinery to the representatives of different farmers association beneficiaries in Ilocos Norte. Marcos distributed units of agri-fishery machinery, seeds, fertilizers, fishery paraphernalia, fuel subsidies, and solar-powered irrigation systems to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers. 'Kami ay nagdala ng karagdagang tulong para sa mga magsasaka, sa mangingisda, at sa mga nag-aalaga ng hayop. Layunin ng mga kagamitan at input na ito mas maging mas mataas ang inyong produksyon at matulungan na makabangon tayo mula sa epekto ng nagdadaang kalamidad (We have brought additional help to farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers. The purpose of these equipment and inpu ts is to increase your production and help us recover from the impact of the past calamities),' he said. 'Ang mga tulong na ito ay bahagi lamang ng mas malaking hangarin natin na para sa lahat na isang pagkilala sa sipag at sakripisyo na binubuhos ninyo sa Ilocos at para sa buong bansa (The assistance is just part of our greater desire to recognize the hard work and sacrifices you make for Ilocos and for the entire country),' Marcos added. Around PHP99.88 million of the PHP157.95 million worth of agricultural, fishery, and veterinary interventions came from the Department of Agriculture (DA), while the remaining PHP58.07 million was provided by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. Marcos said his administration is committed to providing continued assistance to Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers. 'Lahat po kami sa pamahalaan ay nagkakaisa para mabigyan ng tulong ang ating mga magsasaka at ang ating mga mangingisda (All of us in the government are united to give help to our farmers an d our fisherfolk),' Marcos said. The distribution of assistance for farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers in Ilocos Norte is part of the efforts to boost local agri-fishery production, foster sustainable recovery from past calamities in the Ilocos Region, and recognize the farmers' hard work and sacrifices to help the government in achieving food security and sustaining economic growth. (PNA) Source: Philippines News agency