President Marcos led the distribution of Government assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families in a program at the Universidad de Zamboanga Summit Center in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City.
”Kaming lahat ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan at nagsasanib puwersa sa kagustuhang mapawi ang iniinda ninyong hirap dulot ng matinding tagtuyot,” Marcos said in his speech.
(We are all coordinating to ease your burden due to the El Niño phenomenon.)
”Base po sa pinakahuling datos na ibinahagi sa akin, umabot na po sa 3.6 milyong katao ang lubhang naapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan dulot nga ng El Niño,” he added. “Dito naman sa Zamboanga Peninsula, lampas tatlong libong hektarya (3,000 ha.) [ang] labis na naapektuhan dahil sa matinding init na ating nararamdaman ngayon.”
(Latest data indicates, at least 3.6 million individuals are affected by the El Niño. In Zamboanga peninsula, over 3,000 hectares are affected by the extreme heat.)
The beneficiaries from Region 9 received financial aid from the government totaling P10,000. Additionally, President Marcos gave the Provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay a total of about P58 million in financial support. Ten thousand farmers and fishermen will also receive P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. In the meantime, the “Lab For All” Caravan was sent by the Office of First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos to assist the families with their medical and health requirements.