1,069 Bulacan farmers get financial aid
BULACAN — Around 1,069 farmers and fisherfolk from the towns of San Miguel, Obando, and San Rafael each received financial assistance worth P5,000, food packs, and fertilizer from the provincial government held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos on Tuesday.
The Provincial Agriculture Office conducted the program to provide assistance to farmers whose crops were affected by El Niño in San Miguel and San Rafael, and fisherfolk from Obando who experienced incidents of fish kill.
“Nararapat lamang na kayo ay alagaan, suportahan, at bigyang pansin sapagkat, unang-una, kayo ang naglalatag at nagbibigay ng pagkain sa hapag-kainan ng mga Pilipino at ng mga Bulakenyo. Salamat po sa inyong pagsusumikap, pagpupursigi (You need to be protected, supported, and given proper attention for you are the ones who provide food on the table of every Filipino),” said Gov. Daniel Fernando.
Vice Gov. Alex Castro, who was also present during the distribution, assured the beneficiaries that the provincial government will not neglect the agricultural sector.
According to Jimmy Bernandino, a farmer from San Miguel, El Niño has a significant impact on their lives because their income has significantly decreased, which was only sufficient for their daily expenses.
He said the financial assistance he received will be a great help for him to make a new start on farming activities.
Meanwhile, to prepare Bulakenyos for disasters like El Niño and La Niña, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office headed by retired colonel Manuel Lukban Jr. cited the importance of having enough supplies and equipment for the rainy season.
The provincial government reminded everyone to have an emergency kit containing food, water, medicine, and other essentials to be prepared for all types of disasters.