LUBAO, Pampanga – A total of 3,437 farmers and fisherfolk from this town received various forms of assistance from both the provincial government and the local government unit during the celebration of Sampaguita Festival Farmers’ Day on May 2.
The Farmers’ Day event marked the commencement of the 10th Sampaguita Festival.
Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Vice Gov. “Nanay” Pineda, former president and current 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Mayor Esmeralda Pineda, and Vice Mayor Jay Montemayor led the ceremony at the municipal hall.
Each beneficiary was granted P1,000 cash aid with 5-kg rice. Forty-eight farm associations also received fuel subsidies and financial assistance worth P30,000.
Governor Pineda emphasized that the provincial government acknowledges the sacrifices of the farmers particularly amidst challenges such as the El Niño.
“Bilang pasasalamat sa mga farmers natin dahil sila ang tumutulong sa ating pamilya, at sa mga kinakain po natin sa araw-araw. Sa mga ganitong okasyon, nire-recognize natin ang ating mga magsasaka,” he said.
The governor also mentioned the construction of a P320-million state-of-the-art rice complex and warehouses near the bamboo hub through joint efforts of the provincial government and Congresswoman Arroyo.
Apart from the distribution, fresh vegetables, fruits, seedlings, and other locally-produced goods were also sold in the agri trade fair.
“Sinimulan ito ni BM Mye. Importante po sa ‘kin ang farmers day dahil nakakasama po namin kayo. Nakaka-proud kasi dati seedlings lang iyan na ipinamigay ng munisipyo, ngayon na-harvest na. Ang daming pumupunta kasi alam nila na mura ang mabibili nila,” said Mayor Pineda. Photos: Daniel Ombina/Pampanga PIO
