Marcos distributes PHP146M aid to El Niño victims in Eastern Visayas and Sulu

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, distributed PHP136 million in cash assistance and additional aid to farmers and fishermen affected by El Niño in Eastern Visayas on Thursday, and continued his relief efforts in Sulu on Friday.

In Sulu, Marcos led the distribution of over P10 million in financial aid to select beneficiaries from Sulu during a program held at the Sulu Provincial Gymnasium in Patikul, with each beneficiary receiving PHP10,000 under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The provincial governments received varying amounts of assistance ranging from PHP50 million to PHP10.31 million, with over PHP95 million distributed specifically for Samar Island's three provinces.

In addition to cash aid, farm machineries, fishing vessels, equipment, and various government projects were provided by different departments like the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in both regions.

During his speech in Sulu, Marcos assured farmers and fisherfolks that the government will work hard to improve their lives, noting ongoing infrastructure programs such as the Jolo Airport Development Project and efforts to address illegal fishing activities.