In a significant relief effort, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally distributed PHP50 million in cash assistance to approximately 5,000 farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers in Pangasinan who were severely impacted by recent calamities. The distribution took place in Lingayen town on Friday, November 22, 2024.
The aid, part of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFFF) program, saw each beneficiary receiving PHP10,000. The recipients were primarily from the first district, with 1,485 beneficiaries, followed by 887 from the second district, 552 from the third, 941 from the fourth, 886 from the fifth, and 249 from the sixth district.
Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya explained that the beneficiaries were selected based on the extent of damage to their livelihoods. President Marcos emphasized that the event was not only about providing financial aid but also about offering hope and support to those affected by the calamities.
Addressing the gathering, Marcos highlighted the community’s resilience and unity in the face of climate change-induced disasters. He stated, “In the past weeks, we have felt the impact of nature’s wrath due to climate change. Yet, we have also seen the spirit of our community’s unity. Every heart that cares and every hand that helps sends a clear message: In the face of disaster, we are not alone.”
The President also announced additional support measures, including the provision of buffer seeds and other forms of assistance. He has instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to collaborate with other government agencies to ensure comprehensive support for the affected farmers and fisherfolk.
Further, Marcos directed the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide temporary housing for those who lost their homes. He was accompanied by key government officials, including DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III expressed gratitude to the President for extending the PAFFF to the province and noted ongoing coordination with local and national government units for the rehabilitation of the agriculture sector.
Beneficiaries shared their stories and gratitude. Juanita Sumaya, 63, from Bayambang, appreciated the government’s assistance. Nora Medalla, 54, a farmer from Infanta, mentioned that their rice yield is expected to drop significantly due to recent weather disturbances, but the aid will help meet their needs. Reynaldo Cruz, 61, from Malasiqui, plans to use the PHP10,000 to purchase farm inputs for the next season, while Nestor Fernandez, 47, a fisher from Binmaley, will use the aid as startup capital after losing income due to the weather.
The initial damage estimate from Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) on Pangasinan’s agriculture industry was PHP39.9 million, with an additional PHP468,500 in livestock damages.