President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the distribution of over PHP136-million cash assistance to farmers and fishermen affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Eastern Visayas.

Marcos led the distribution of government assistance in two separate programs in Calbayog City, Samar and in Palo, Leyte.

In both gatherings, the President handed PHP10,000 each to select beneficiaries from all the provinces in the region.

Meanwhile, the Samar provincial government got PHP50 million from the President, while the provincial governments of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar got PHP25.9 million and PHP19.3 million, respectively.

Marcos also gave PHP17,020,000 to the provincial government of Leyte; PHP13,680,000 to the provincial government of Biliran; and PHP10,310,000 to the provincial government of Southern Leyte.

On top of the cash assistance, farm machineries, equipment and various government projects are also given to identified recipients of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

In his message in Calbayog City, the President acknowledged the significant contribution of farmers and fisherfolk to the development of the province and the country as a whole.

“Kayo po na mga magsasaka at mangingisda, kayo po ay ang tunay na bayani ng ating bansa, at nararapat lamang na bigyang-pugay at suportahan namin ang inyong sipag at ang inyong galing (You, our farmers and fishermen, you are the true heroes of our country, and it is just right that we pay tribute and support your hard work and your talent),” Marcos said.

He also assured the public that the government will work doubly hard to improve their lives and ensure that all necessary assistance will be provided to them.

The President has been visiting different regions across the country in line with his promise to deliver assistance to every Filipino severely affected by the dry spell during the El Niño months.

The Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez also provided rice to all the attendees of both events. (PNA)