LEGAZPI CITY – Since assuming the highest post in the country in 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has poured various projects in the Bicol region that have been transforming the lives of many residents in its six provinces.
The Chief Executive has visited different localities in Bicol five times since last year.
Housing program
On March 16, 2023, he visited Naga City in Camarines Sur to lead the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of more than 20,000 housing units as part of the government’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
"Mas masarap yung meron sariling bahay, pagkatapos ng trabaho may mauuwian ka, kaya kumuha talaga ako (It's much better to have your own house; after work, you have a place to go home to, that's why I really availed of it)," said Alwyn LLiona, one of the recipients of the Pabahay program.
The President next visited Nabua town, Camarines Sur on Sept. 23, 2023, for the simultaneous launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), which hosted 75 programs and social, livelihood and educational services and other regulatory functions from 29 government agencies that benefited 120,000 residents including farmers, fisherfolk, senior citizens, and the sick.
Mechelle Villamero, 21, of Barangay Santiago, Nabua town, Camarines Sur, said the educational assistance she received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was a big help since she wanted to buy a laptop, which is a necessity in her Information Technology course.
Mayon eruption aid
President Marcos' presence in Albay during the height of the Mayon Volcano eruption on June 14, 2023, consoled the weary Bicolanos. His assurance of a 90-day relief aid to 17,941 individuals, who were transferred to various evacuation centers in six towns and two cities, greatly benefited the Albayanos reeling from the calamity.
"We were well taken care of. Various government agencies took action to ensure we wouldn't be afraid or discouraged. There were activities for the youth, family food packs, financial assistance, and other support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development," said Cherrylyn Madrona Patriarca, 32, from Barangay Baligang, Ligao City.
"We had jobs even in the evacuation center through the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment. The Department of Health provided free medicines and check-ups. The government did not abandon us. Thank you, Mr. President, for taking care of us and making us feel valued," she added.
El Niño aid, free land titles
On June 7, 2024, the President visited the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay and provided assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by the severe dry spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon.
Aireen Colagong-Tigue, daughter of one of the more than 2,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Bicol who received their land titles when the President led its distribution during his visit, could not contain her happiness as she expressed gratitude.
"Thank you very much, Mr. President. Our success is proof that the land is the wealth of the farmers. Thirty one years of waiting feels like just yesterday. Thank you very, very much. We are truly happy," she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
A total of PHP162 million in financial aid was extended by the President to the farmers and fisherfolk along with various other assistance and services.
He handed over PHP10.28 million in cash assistance to Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla and PHP50 million to Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte during the distribution of land titles, support services and financial aid in Pili town, Camarines Sur.
President Marcos also gave PHP41.55 million to Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman; PHP10.23 million to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua; PHP36.79 million to Masbate Governor Antonio Kho; and PHP13 million to Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor during his visit in Legazpi City, Albay. (PNA)
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