Arayat and Mexico, Pampanga — To alleviate the impact of El Niño on agriculture, the provincial government, led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, commenced the distribution of financial assistance on Thursday, June 20.
The initiative, approved earlier this year by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) through Resolutions No. 3 and 7-2024, aims to provide relief to irrigators’ associations (IA) severely affected by the said weather phenomenon.
“Nitong Marso, itinala ng PAGASA na nasa El Niño season tayo at maaapektuhan nito ang iba’t-ibang sektor sa lipunan, kabilang ang sektor ng agrikultura. Kaya kaagad na inaprubahan ng Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ang Resolutions No. 3 and 7-2024, appropriating the amount of ₱40-million for the provision of assistance to those severely affected,” said PDRRMO Chief Angelina Blanco.
A total of 485 farmers from Barangay Candating, Arayat (343) and Barangays San Nicolas and San Patricio of Mexico (142) received financial assistance aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers, particularly in covering costs associated with irrigation and electricity during the dry season.
“Magpasalamat ke pung dakal a dakal kang Gov. Delta na binie ne ing saup ayni para maski pakananu mipasno kaming bagya kareng gastusin keng paranum, lalu na sobra na pu katas ing diesel ngeni. Maragul ya pung saup ini kekaming ortelanu,” said Rey Velasco, chairman of Maunlad na Candating Sapang Paitan Farmers IA.
During the program, Governor Delta reiterated the government’s commitment to standing by the agricultural sector in challenging times.
“Ang ating pong mga magsasaka ang nagsisilbing backbone ng ating ekonomiya, kaya bilang bahagi po ng aking sinumpaang tungkulin, responsibilidad ko po na suportahan sila para matiyak din na walang magugutom na Kapampangan,” he said.
The governor also guaranteed that all eligible farmers will receive the necessary support to overcome the challenges posed by El Niño and sustain their agricultural livelihoods.
Arayat Mayor Madir Alejandrino, Vice Mayor Bon Alejandrino, and Mexico Mayor Rodencio Gonzales also graced the programs to express their gratitude for the continuous effort of Gov. Delta in bringing the programs and services of the Capitol closer to the people. —Jasmine Jaso/GO