The Negros Occidental provincial government, along with four national agencies, rolled out various forms of assistance under the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program on Saturday to mark President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday.
At the provincial capitol, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson thanked the President for including the province in the nationwide distribution of government support. “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,” Lacson 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 distributed 50 bags of rice at the same price, prioritizing persons with disabilities, solo parents, and senior citizens.
The DA-Negros Island Region awarded PHP89.7 million in agricultural support, including PHP52.2 million worth of livestock and poultry, PHP36.18 million in farm equipment, PHP700,000 for swine recovery, PHP620,000 worth of hybrid seeds, and a four-wheel drive tractor under the Rice Program.
The Department of Labor and Employment released PHP2.6 million in wages to displaced workers from 12 barangays and provided PHP472,000 in assistance to 96 student beneficiaries.
At the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Ayala Malls Capitol, 24 associations and 50 local sellers received PHP472,000 in aid. The Department of Trade and Industry also turned over PHP3.95 million in loans and financial support to 15 grantees under the RISE UP Program.
Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority distributed PHP2 million worth of training allowance to 878 scholars. The provincial government also released PHP650,000 in assistance to 130 distressed overseas Filipino workers.