President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Thursday flew to Calbayog City to continue the distribution of government financial assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families affected by the recent El Niño phenomenon on the island of Samar. 

Over P95 million in financial aid was distributed to the beneficiaries and local governments of Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar provinces during a program held at the Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City.

“Batid ko po na [nitong] nagdaang El Niño, higit sa tatlong libong pamilya sa tatlong munisipyo [sa] Samar at Eastern Samar na [nagdeklara] ng State of Calamity [ang] labis na [napinsala] ng tagtuyot na dala ng El Niño,” Marcos Jr said in his speech.

( I know that during El NIño, more than 3,000 families in 3 municipalities in Samar, Eastern Samar which declared a state of calamity were severely affected by the drought caused by El Niño.)

The President also touted the different assistance provided by other government agencies, including fishing vessels, farming machinery, and other equipment, as well as training support, loan facilities, and cash-for-work programs. 

He said the Office of the President was giving P10,000 each to farmers and fishermen affected in the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.

“Sa kabuuan, mahigit siyamnapu’t limang milyong piso ng assistance ang aming ibibigay sa tatlong probinsya ng Samar Island.”

(In total, we will be giving P95 million in assistance tot he three provinces of Samar Island.)

The President also noted the various infrastructure programs in the Samar island to help spur economic development. He says the government has allocated some P1.4 Billion in funds for the repair and maintenance of the Maharlika Highway, which they expect to be completed by March 2025.

Marcos Jr also touted various gains against insurgency in Samar, which continue to hinder development in the province.