By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
BALER, Aurora (PIA) — The government poured assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families in Aurora who were recently affected by the dry spell or El Niño.
During the distribution held in Baler town, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disclosed that the Office of the President provided P10,000 to each identified recipient.
“A total of P10 million has been allotted for 1,000 beneficiaries which will be distributed through the provincial government,” he added.
Moreover, P100 million has been earmarked under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP of the Department of Social Welfare and Development wherein about 10,000 individuals received P10,000 each.
The provincial government likewise provided five kilos of rice to each attendee.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) awarded tractors, multi-tiller cultivator, pump and engine sets, hammer mill, cassava granulator, and other farm equipment.
It also distributed fertilizer discount vouchers, rice farmers financial assistance vouchers, and fuel assistance cards.
An animal quarantine facility worth P10 million was awarded to the provincial government while P25 million has been set aside for loans of farmers and fisherfolk.
For its part, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources awarded gill net, bottom set longline, tuna handline, shallow payao, fiberglass reinforced plastic boats, and fish vending equipment.
The Department of Labor and Employment also gave P390,000 worth of assistance under its Integrated Livelihood Program while the Technical Education and Skills Development Program provided P1.75 million worth of scholarships and P476,000 worth of training support fund. (RPQ/CLJD, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
