ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. continued his visit to Panay Island by leading the distribution of 1,000 smuggled rice sacks to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and other government assistance in the municipality of San Jose, Antique, Friday, Oct. 6. 

The President, likewise, acknowledged the presence of Provincial and Local Government Units, highlighting Gov. Rhodora Cadiao's efforts in working for the National Housing Authority (NHA) project in the province that will provide homes to 770 families. 

"So, to know that we have 770 families who will spend this Christmas in their new home is one of the best news that I have heard in a long time," President Marcos Jr. exclaimed.

The primary goal of the visit was to distribute 1,000 sacks of premium rice to 4Ps beneficiaries and other government assistance to families affected by the African Swine Fever.

“Ang pangunahing layunin po ng ating biyahe ngayon ay mamahagi ng libreng bigas sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps,na naging kabilang sa listahan ng mga pinakanangangailangan na mamamayang Pilipino, kasama din sa mga makakatanggap ng suplay ay ang mga pamilyang naapektuhan ang kanilang kabuhayan dahil sa African Swine Flu.(The primary purpose of our trip today is to distribute free rice to the beneficiaries of 4Ps, who are  in need, included in those who will receive supplies are families whose livelihoods are affected due to the African Swine Flu)” President Marcos said. 

nagkakahalaga ng kulang-kulang labing-tatlong bilyong piso para sa Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program or ‘yung RFFA,(Another piece of good news—fresh and uplifting—is the approval of funding amounting to approximately thirteen billion pesos for the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program, or 'RFFA'.)”

Under the said program, two million and three hundred thousand farmers will receive financial aid, particularly during periods of drought.

In addressing the effective and efficient management of the flow of products and services from farms to markets, the President emphasized one crucial aspect that demands immediate attention, the establishment of a well-functioning transportation system.

"Ang epektibo at mabisang pangangasiwa sa daloy ng produkto at serbisyo mula sa sakahan patungo sa merkado ay isa sa mga dapat nating pagtugunan, parte po dito ang maayos na transportasyon,(The effective and efficient management of the flow of products and services from farms to the market is one of the issues we need to address, and a key aspect of this is a well-functioning transportation system.)" stated the President, highlighting the urgency of implementing measures to streamline the movement of goods.

challenges, including reducing prices for agricultural products.

"Seryoso po ang gobyerno sa paglutas ng mga suliranin sa agrikultura, kabilang dito ang pagbababa ng presyo ng ating mga produktong agrikultural (Your government is serious in putting and end to this challenge in the agriculture sector, including the low prices of our agricultural products)," said the President, emphasizing the gravity of the government's dedication to addressing agricultural concerns.

The President also pointed out the hindrances to achieving this goal, specifically addressing the persistent issues of smuggling and hoarding in the country. 

"Ngunit papaano po natin lubusang matutupad ito kung patuloy ang pamamayagpag ng smuggling at hoarding sa bansa (How can we truly reached (goals) if there is still smuggling and hoarding in the country)?" the President asked, highlighting the obstacles that contribute to the rising prices of goods.

Furthermore, the President addressed the need for legislative reinforcement in the fight against agricultural economic sabotage. 

"Patuloy din ang pagsangguni natin sa Kongreso upang maging ganap na krimen ang agricultural economic sabotage at mas maging mabigat ang katumbas nitong kaparusahan (We are in constant consultation with Congress so that the agricultural economic sabotage will finally become a crime with more weight in terms of penalties and sanctions)," stated the President, seeking stronger legal measures against those engaging in economic sabotage.

The President continued to stress the importance of collective action, stating, "Mas magiging malakas ang ating puwersa kung sama-sama tayong kikilos tungo sa mas masagana, panatag, at matatag na kinubukasan nating lahat.”

With a vision of progress and a more stable future, the President reassured the nation that the government works daily to improve the overall situation.  

"Narito po ang pamahalaan ninyo upang damayan at suportahan kayo. Patuloy po tayong magtulungan upang magtagumpay sa ating mga hangarin para sa bayan (Your government is here to support you.  Let us continue to help each other so we will reach our goals for the nation.)," reassured the President, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting the citizens and working towards shared goals for the nation. (AAL/ED/PIA 6)