A total of 10,000 farmers and fisherfolks from the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City affected by the El Niño crisis received presidential assistance last May 10 ,2024. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the distribution of the presidential assistance in two separate locations - Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City. 

Aside from the presidential assistance, identified farmers and fisherfolks also received Php 10,000.00 financial assistance under Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In a report published by the Philippine Information Agency XII, the beneficiaries also received other government assistance which include Php 4,000.00 for each TUPAD beneficiary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Php 940,000 grant certificate for three farmer organizations,from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 21 livelihood toolkits and allowance for scholars from the Technical education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), highlighting the current Administration's effort in promoting a whole-of-government approach in addressing current issues accross the country. 

“Ang DSWD ay narito rin upang mag-abot ng sampung libong pisong tulong pinansyal mula sa Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or yung tinatawag na AICS sa sampung libong kwalipikadong benepisyaryo at kanilang mga pamilya.  Maliban pa rito, tatlumpu’t walong benepisyaryo naman na makakatanggap ng payout mula sa Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers o TUPAD Program ng DOLE.  Kaakibat nito ang pag-aabot ng TESDA ng livelihood toolkits sa sampung benepisyaryo at allowance para sa kanilang mga iskolar.  Malugod naman nating pinapasalamatan ang ating butihing House Speaker para sa limang kilong bigas na ating ipapamahagi sa mga naririto ngayon,” President Marcos said. 

Five kilograms of rice from the Office of the House Speaker were also given to each beneficiary.

Over three million filipinos were affected of the El Niño nationwide as of the current data which pushed other local governments to declare a State of Calamity, the President revealed. 

He further encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the assistance provided to them and support the government's plans and projects under the Bagong Pilipinas Brand of Leadership. 

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. and Assistant Secretary for International Relations Elizabeth N. Lopez-de Leon attended the said event, expressing the Department’s dedication to improving the lives of those impacted by recent adversities.

Also present was DILG XII Regional Director Atty. Rochelle D. Mahinay- Sero, CESE and other regional personnel, demonstrating a united front and unwavering dedication  to the welfare of the people in the region. 

DILG continues to be unwavering in its dedication to serving and safeguarding the well-being of all Filipinos, particularly those who are most vulnerable, as demonstrated by its enthusiastic involvement in this important occasion.