President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Officials from Mindanao on Friday threw their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas" initiative, calling it the "best" Philippines the government can provide to the Filipino people.
Local executives expressed their support as President Marcos personally distributed a total of PHP110 million in cash assistance to the local governments of General Santos, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Province for the El Niño-hit Filipinos in Mindanao.
Marcos said the presidential assistance, along with the provision of various government services, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to uplift the lives of the Filipino people under “Bagong Pilipinas."
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu said his province would give its "100 percent" support to the administration's thrust to build a strong and united Philippines.
"The whole province of Sultan Kudarat ay kasama ng minamahal nating Pangulo. Ipinagmamalaki po natin that Bagong Pilipinas (supports our beloved President. We are very proud that Bagong Pilipinas) is the best Philippines we can ever give to the Filipino people," Mangudadatu said.
Mangudadatu described President Marcos as a "man of words and man of action," thanking him for the much-needed aid for farmers and fisherfolk who were severely affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
"From the bottom of our hearts, Mr. President, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta, sa inyong tiwala, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa sambayanang Pilipino (we thank you for your support, trust, and love for the entire Filipino people)," Mangudadatu said.
General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao praised the President's efforts to address the challenges faced by farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting his commitment to unity and ensuring no one is left behind.
"Ang iyong pagkilala sa mga pakikibaka at balakid na nararanasan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda ay nagpapakita ng inyong tunay na pangangalaga at pagmamahal sa kapakanan ng lahat ng miyembro ng ating lipunan (Your recognition of the plight and struggles of our farmers and fisherfolk shows your genuine care and affection for the welfare of every member of our society)," Geronimo-Pacquiao said.
"Mahal na Pangulo, ipinapaabot po namin ang aming lubos na pasasalamat sa iyong paglalaan ng oras upang bisitahin at ipakita ang iyong suporta sa mga masisipag na magsasaka at mangingisda ng General Santos City (Our beloved President, we extend our deepest gratitude for the time you spared to visit us and show your support for the hardworking farmers and fisherfolk of General Santos City)," she added.
General Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon said his constituents would give its "101-percent" support to the programs and projects of the government under Bagong Pilipinas.
"Kami ay 101-percent susuporta sa iyong administrasyon, sa lahat ng iyong adhikain, sa lahat ng iyong programa, proyekto, iyong mga ninanais na tayo ay magkaroon ng Bagong Pilipinas. Kakampi niyo kami. Great ally niyo kami (We are 101-percent supporting this administration in all its aspirations, programs, and projects aimed at creating a New Philippines. We are your partners. We are your great allies)," Acharon said.
The President handed over PHP10 million in presidential assistance to Geronimo-Pacquiao and PHP50 million each to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and Sarangani Province Governor Rogelio Pacquiao.
Presidential assistance provided were irrigation projects, rice mill facilities, farming tools, and fertilizers for farmers as well as help for fisherfolk from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also provided PHP10,000 financial assistance each to 10,000 beneficiaries and their families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program.
At least 38 beneficiaries received payouts from Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
On the other hand, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided livelihood toolkits to 10 beneficiaries. It also gave allowance for scholars.
President Marcos reminded qualified beneficiaries to coordinate with their respective local government units to acquire financial assistance worth PHP10,000.
In his speech during the distribution of assistance at the Lagao gymnasium, President Marcos commended the invaluable contributions of General Santos City and South Cotabato to the country’s food security and agricultural sector.
He said the people of the region not only showed diligence in their work, but also utilized technologies that help increase their production, achieving their goal of improving communities.
The President also stressed the government’s support to empower the beneficiaries, and help them get through the effects of climate change.
“Kaya ang pagpunta ko rito ay hindi lang upang personal na magsabi ng maraming salamat sa ating mga kaibigan dito sa GenSan at sa South Cotabato, pero upang magpahayag rin ng tiwala at magpamalas ng vote of confidence sa inyong kakayahan na makamit ang isang masagana at maaliwalas na bukas (I came here not onlly to personally thank my friends here in GenSan and South Cotabato, but also to express my trust and vote of confidence in your ability to create a prosperous and bright future),” he said.
President Marcos vowed to alleviate the impact of the El Niño phenomenon that currently affects more than 3 million Filipinos.
Marcos said the government will continue its commitment to help those in need, as he urged Filipinos to be with him as they pursue a “Bagong Pilipinas” they deserve.
“Sa ating pagkakaisa, tiyak ako na makakabangon tayo kahit ano mang unos ang ating kaharapin, dahil kilala natin ang ugali ng Pilipino na matatag at pagiging maabilidad (Through unity, I am certain that we will be able to emerge from any tempest we encounter because the Filipinos are known to be resilient and resourceful)," he said. (PNA)
