EDITORIAL
President Bongbong Marcos has been prioritizing provinces in Mindanao for his provincial trips, not only because the southern island is the bailwick of his political critics, but more so because the areas south of Metro Manila have really been hit hard by the drought.
Pushing his massive aid program for El Niño-hit Filipinos particularly farmers and fishermen in Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally delivered over P100 million in financial assistance to the city government of Cagayan de Oro and the provincial governments of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
President Marcos handed over P10 million each to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy and Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo; and P50 million each to Misamis Oriental Governor Peter M. Unabia and Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque. The Chief Executive also delivered over P10,000 in cash assistance each to select farmers and fisherfolk.
“Maliit na halaga po, ngunit umaasa akong magagamit ninyo ito upang makapagsimula muli,” President Marcos said in his speech during the aid distribution at the Pimentel Convention Center in Barangay Taguanao, Cagayan de Oro City.
Aside from the financial assistance, the leadership of President Marcos also organized the “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair” at the University of Science and Technology-Southern Philippines” through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also participated in the caravan along with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Health and other government agencies. The Chief Executive assured the residents of the government’s continued support and assistance amid the challenges brought by El Niño.
Of all the President’s pronouncements lately, the one that really stood out was when he promised that no one will be left behind under the “Bagong Pilipinas.” The new social system that he launched, and continued to promote, ensures that government assistance will be made available to all—without regard to geographical location, clan, tribe, or religious persuasions. As long as you are a Filipino, you are entitled to official assistance, especially during natural calamities such as the El Niño phenomenon and the coming La Niña.
In his remarks during the distribution of aid to El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk in Iligan City, President Marcos said the government will ensure to visit all parts of Mindanao and the whole country to ensure that aid will reach all including those in far-flung areas.
"Sa mga minamahal kong Pilipino, asahan po ninyo ang patuloy naming pag-iikot sa Mindanao at sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa upang masiguro na maihahatid namin ang tulong at serbisyo sa taong-bayan. Narito po ang inyong pamahalaan sa lahat ng oras,” President Marcos said.
“Sa panahon ng tagtuyot at tag-ulan, handa kaming umagapay sa inyong lahat. Sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas, walang manlalamang at walang malalamangan, walang mang-iiwan at walang maiiwanan. Lahat po tayo ay sabay-sabay na hahakbang tungo sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan,” he added.
“Tiyakin po natin na ang bawat Pilipino ay mabigyan ng pagkakataong umasenso at gumaan ang buhay ng kanyang sarili, at pamilya,” he further stated.
For the farmers and fisherfolk, for the youths of Mindanao who until now have limited access to economic opportunities for growth, such a reassurance from the President no less, is most welcome.
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