Pimentel calls for immediate release of funds to help farmers hit by drought

DAVAO CITY – Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday called on the national government to immediately release funds to help farmers affected by the prolonged drought all over the country.

“The national government should act on the problem,” Pimentel said at the end of the public hearing on the “Kidapawan massacre.”

“If there’s money intended for the victims of the drought, release it now,” was Pimentel’s call to the national government.

“Ang kagutuman ng isang magsasaka ay iba sa kagutuman na nararamdaman ng isang professional o ng taong may trabaho. Itong mga magsasakang walang makain, may kasamang desperasyon ang nararamdaman nila (The hunger felt by a farmer is different from the hunger felt by a professional or a person with a job.  Farmers who do not have food to eat feel desperation,” he said.  SFM