Marcos turns 67, distributes P3.19-B aid in 82 provinces

BBM BIRTHDAY The Malacañang grounds were opened to the public on Friday as the Palace marked the 67th birthday of President Marcos with the distribution of food packs to visitors, who came in droves for the free meal and some souvenir shots. —PHOTO BY NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday celebrated his 67th birthday by extending around P3.19-billion financial assistance and services in 82 provinces, including free medical services in state-run tertiary hospitals.

In an interview with reporters in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, Mr. Marcos said his birthday wish was for the improvement of the agriculture sector and of the lives of farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers.

The President was accompanied by two of his sons, House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and Joseph Simon Marcos on his visit to Nueva Ecija.

READ: Marcos’ wish on his birthday: Improved lives of Filipino farmers

First lady Liza Araneta-Marcos penned a sweet greeting for her husband on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, describing him as the “sweetest and kindest soul I’ve ever known.”

“I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and through it all, you’ve remained the same tender-hearted, compassionate person who first captured my heart. I love you to the moon and back, and I always will,” she said. Under the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” the public was treated to food and drinks at the Malacañang grounds on Friday afternoon.

READ: Marcos turns 67: First Lady Liza praises ‘tender-hearted’ hubby

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said P3.19 billion in financial aid and services will be extended through programs of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

READ: Marcos admin satisfaction rating ‘good’, went up 11 points – SWS

Of this sum, the DOH allocated P328 million to 22 government tertiary hospitals across the country to pay for all medical expenses of all patients on the President’s birthday.

“Our goal is to help our countrymen with their medical needs. So for this day, we will pay for all expenses of all patients in all public level 3 hospitals in the country, like the Dr. Paulino Garcia Memorial Hospital here,” Mr. Marcos said in his speech in Guimba.

For its part, the Dole allocated P1.38 billion in assistance, including P1.12 billion under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers, P191.83 million for the Integrated Livelihood Program, P53.48 million for the Government Internship Program and P14.69 million for its Special Program for Employment of Students.

The Tesda offered 7,416 slots for Technical and Vocational Education and Training enrollment and distributed training support funds to 12,038 beneficiaries worth P46.17 million.