Prov’l gov’t, 4 gov’t agencies distribute aid under ‘Handog ng Pangulo’

The Negros Occidental provincial government and four national government agencies distributed various forms of assistance under the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program to mark President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday on Saturday.

At the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the President for including Negros Occidental in the nationwide distribution of comprehensive government assistance.

“While many celebrate their special day with festivities, our President chose a way that reflects his concern for the people — by bringing direct and concrete benefits to the Filipinos. To our beneficiaries, these are not just forms of assistance. These are stepping stones towards a better life,” he said.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Food Authority, sold 300 bags of rice at PHP20 per kilo.

The Federation of Irrigators Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System also rolled out 50 bags of rice at the same subsidized price, specifically for persons with disabilities, solo parents and senior citizens.

The DA-Negros Island Region awarded a package of agricultural support to farmer-beneficiaries totaling PHP89.7 million.

These included PHP52.2 million worth of various livestock and poultry commodities, and PHP36.18 million worth of farm equipment to farmers.

Also distributed were PHP700,000 in support packages under the Swine Industry Recovery Program, PHP620,000 worth of hybrid seeds under the National Corn Program, and one unit of four-wheel drive tractor under the Rice Program.

The Department of Labor and Employment – Negros Occidental released PHP2.6 million in payout to beneficiaries from 12 barangays under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, as well as financial assistance totaling PHP472,000 to 96 beneficiaries under the Special Program for Employment of Students.

The 24 associations and 50 local sellers, who participated in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the Fiesta Market in Ayala Malls Capitol Central, received an assistance of PHP472,000.

The Department of Trade and Industry turned over loans and financial aid worth PHP3.95 million to 15 grantees under the RISE UP Program of the Small Business Corporation.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, led by Secretary-General Jose Francisco Benitez, distributed PHP2 million worth of training allowance to 878 scholars.

In addition, the provincial government distributed financial assistance to 130 distressed overseas Filipino workers amounting to PHP5,000 each or a total of PHP650,000.* (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)