Davao residents affected by El Niño get P60-M aid from gov’t

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City in this file photo taken on May 28, 2024. INQUIRER.net file photo / RYAN LEAGOGO

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly P60 million in financial aid was distributed on Thursday to Davao residents affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led two separate distribution events in Davao, one  in Tagum City, and another in Digos City.

READ: Marcos asks farmers to help provide cheap, quality food for Filipinos 

“Batid natin na ang tagtuyot ay hindi lamang nagdudulot ng matinding pinsala sa ating mga sakahan at palaisdaan. Ito rin ay nagiging sagabal sa kabuhayan at pagtupad sa pangarap ng maraming Pilipino,” Marcos said in his speech in Digos.

(We are aware that the dry spell did not just cause damage to the crops and fisheries, it also became a hindrance to livelihood and making the dreams of Filipinos come true.)

According to the Palace, the breakdown of aid distribution per province is as follows:

• Davao de Oro: P10 million
• Davao del Norte: P10 million
• Davao Oriental: P10 million
• Davao del Sur: P19.52 million

Davao has reported an agricultural loss amounting to P49.58 million, with 4,173 individuals affected.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) turned over 30  22-footer FB Pagbabago Boats. two units of rice combine harvesters, four-wheel tractor and floating tillers, four walk-behind transplanters, and more to farmers in Davao del Norte.

In Davao de Oro, farmers also received a bio-secure climate-controlled swine facility-finisher.