Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families in Region X 5/16/2024

Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City
May 16, 2024
“Tunay na nakatatak sa aking puso [at] maging sa aking buong pamilya ang siyudad ng Iligan, ang buong lalawigan ng Lanao del Norte. Kaya naman, masikap nating isinusulong ang mga inisyatibo na makapag-papabilis sa pag-usbong ng kaunlaran dito sa inyong siyudad at sa buong rehiyon,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he led the ceremonial distribution of Presidential Assistance to local farmers, fisherfolk and families at the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City on May 16, 2024.
In his message, the President underscored his Administration's comprehensive approach to governance that prioritizes both immediate relief and long-term development, especially in light of the El Niño phenomenon. Select beneficiaries from Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental received PhP10,000 from the Office of the President to help mitigate the severe drought affecting the region. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also provided financial aid and rice distribution.
“Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating pamahalaan sa pagsisikap na maitaguyod ang mga proyekto at programang magbibigay ng oportunidad para sa lahat,” he added, outlining several ambitious projects under the Northern Mindanao Regional Development Plan (NMRDP) 2023-2028, aimed at transforming the region into a globally competitive agricultural hub and a major center for industry, tourism and trade.
Among the highlighted projects were: the Panguil Bay Bridge, an PhP8 billion infrastructure project connecting Tangub, Misamis Occidental, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte; the Iligan City Coastal Bypass Road, a PhP1.89 billion project designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Iligan City; and Airport Upgrades, which include the expansion and rehabilitation of airports in Ozamiz, Camiguin, Lumbia, Bukidnon and Laguindingan to enhance economic flow and opportunities.
Recognizing the vital role of agriculture, President Marcos Jr. mentioned the National Irrigation Administration's (NIA) ongoing irrigation projects in Lanao del Norte, including two (2) solar pump irrigation projects in Salvador and Sapad, funded with PhP27 million.
Additionally, the government has allocated substantial resources for scholarships and subsidies, particularly for students pursuing agricultural and medical courses. For the academic year 2023-2024, PhP58.01 million has been provided to support 424 scholars under the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The Chief Executive also highlighted the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) efforts to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through programs like Negosyo Centers and Shared Service Facilities. Since 2023, over 30,629 MSMEs in the region have benefited from these initiatives, with an additional 2,786 MSMEs receiving support through the Shared Service Facilities Project.
“Narito po ang inyong pamahalaan sa lahat ng oras. Sa panahon ng tagtuyot at paparating na tag-ulan, handa kaming umagapay sa inyong lahat. Sa ilalim ng ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ walang manlalamang at malalamangan, walang mang-iiwan at walang maiiwan, lahat po tayo ay sabay-sabay na hahakbang tungo sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan,” he said, concluding his message.
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