October 6, 2023
“Umpisa pa lamang po ito ng mga hakbangin ng gobyerno na mapaunlad ang buhay ng mga Pilipino mula sa pagpapalakas ng agrikultura ng bansa at pagpapalawig ng mga benepisyong handog ng iba pang mga sektor,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his speech during the distribution of rice and other government assistance at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, Capiz.
Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under Level 1 (survival) and Level 2 (subsistence) expressed their gratitude for the rice assistance provided by the government, especially since the municipality is among the eight (8) affected areas in the Philippines currently under a red tide alert issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) due to the recorded high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), which makes the collected shellfish unsafe to eat.
In his message, the President reiterated his firm resolve against rice smugglers and hoarders in the country. “Nakikipag-ugnayan rin po tayo sa Kongreso na ma-amyendahan ang ilang batas upang tuluyan nang maging krimen ang agricultural economic sabotage at mapabigat ang parusa dito,” he said.
In the same event, the Chief Executive, as concurrent Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary, also led the turnover of various government assistance from the DA and its line agencies, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also provided various forms of assistance to their respective beneficiaries.
“Muli na naman po kaming nagsanib puwersa, kasama po ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DA, DSWD, DOLE, DOH, TESDA, CHED, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, at Agricultural Training Institute, upang muling ilapit sa inyo ang kanilang mga serbisyo,” the President said.
“Tandaan po ninyo, kasabay ng pagsulong ng Bagong Pilipinas ay ang pagkakaroon ng panatag, masagana, at matatag na buhay! Angkinin na po natin ito,” President Marcos added, concluding his speech.
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