P157.9M aid distributed to sectors hit by El Niño in Ilocos Norte

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday led the distribution of over P157.9 million in agricultural support to farmers and fisherfolk, especially those affected by the El Niño phenomenon, in Ilocos Norte to boost farm productivity and fight hunger in the province.

The distribution was made as the provincial government of Ilocos Norte commemorated the 107th birthday of the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

“So, I’m very happy na nakapag… nagselebrar tayo nga birthday, ti panagkasangay ti ama (that we are celebrating my father’s birthday today). This is the way that we celebrate because ‘pag iniisip po namin kung buhay pa ang President Marcos Sr…. ano ‘yung gagawin niya sa birthday niya (This is the way that we are celebrating his birthday because we thought that if President Marcos Sr. is still alive, how would he celebrate his birthday),” he said.

“Alam ko na, alam naman ninyo pagka noong siya ay buhay pa, basta’t birthday niya, nandito siya at siya ay tumutulong at ulit tinitingnan kung kumusta na ang kanyang province. Kaya’t nais ko naman ako’y gumaya sa kanya (I know that you know that if he was still alive, he would be here helping and checking how his province is doing. That’s why I am doing the same),” he added.

The President said he is not only celebrating his father’s birthday by being with his townmates but also celebrating his own birthday on Friday in the same way – by revisiting his province.

The President said he is continuing the agriculture programs started by his father and his administration is working hard to attain its goals for the sector.

He said his administration also continues to extend assistance to the farmers, fishermen and livestock raisers especially those who were affected by the El Niño.

Yesterday, at least 7,000 beneficiaries from Batac and 9,500 from Laoag received P5,000 each in financial aid under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), while around 1,000 fishermen and livestock raisers from different associations in the province received other support like seeds, tractors, fertilizers, fishery paraphernalia, fuel subsidies, and solar-powered irrigation systems.

Marcos said aside from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the