Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families in Pangasinan (Speech) 07/19/2024

Lingayen, Pangasinan
July 19, 2024
“Narito kami ngayon upang bigyan ng bagong pag-asa at bagong simula ang mga bayani ng bayan sa sektor ng agrikultura,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he led the distribution of Presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk and families in Pangasinan. The event marked the signing and awarding of Certificates of Condonation, which released beneficiaries from their agrarian debts, symbolizing a fresh start for many farmers in Region 1 (Ilocos Region).
In his message, the President acknowledged the severe impact of the recent El Niño phenomenon on the livelihood of the agricultural community. "Alam natin na naging matindi ang pinsala ng nagdaang El Niño sa mga kabuhayan ninyong lahat… ngunit sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na ito, patuloy kayong nagsusumikap at nag-alay ng inyong sarili upang masiguro na may pagkain ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he stated.
According to government data, the damage in Region 1 amounted to over PhP559 million, affecting nearly 20,000 farmers and fisherfolk. Despite these challenges, the President praised the resilience and dedication of those in the agricultural sector, ensuring that every Filipino family has food on their table.
To alleviate their struggles, the Chief Executive announced that the Office of the President (OP) is distributing PhP10,000 each to farmers and fisherfolk families in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union. This amounts to more than PhP184 million in total assistance.
He also mentioned other cash aid and livelihood interventions from several government agencies, such as the PhP10,000 cash assistance to over 4,600 beneficiaries in Pangasinan under the ‘Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program’ (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and turnover of various farm machinery and equipment by the Department of Agriculture (DA), among others.
A highlight of the event was the signing and distribution of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). These certificates erased the agrarian debts of more than 3,500 farmers in the Ilocos Region, totaling over PhP50 million.
President Marcos Jr. also announced that additional COCROMs will be distributed to the Cordillera Administrative Region and Regions II and III, releasing over 70,000 beneficiaries from agrarian debts amounting to more than PhP3 billion.
“Ang pamamahagi ngayong araw ng mga Condonation na ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang pasulong sa ating paglalakbay tungo sa hustisyang agraryo,” he emphasized, reassuring them of the Administration’s commitment in supporting and empowering the country’s agricultural sector.
In concluding his message, President Marcos Jr. rallied the farmers and fisherfolk. “Magtulungan tayo upang bumuo ng matatag na kinabukasan kung saan ang bawat magsasaka, mangingisda at pamilyang Pilipino ay may kakayahang bumangon mula sa kahirapan at mapa-unlad ang kanilang buhay,” he urged, calling them modern heroes of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’
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