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Advocates Philippines
House Speaker Leads Distribution Aid For Farmers
Photo credit: House of Representatives
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez took the lead in distributing aid to approximately 800 sugar farmers in Batangas on Tuesday. These farmers had been negatively impacted by the closure of Central Azucarera de Don Pedro, Inc. (CADPI), the largest sugar mill in the province. Speaker Romualdez, in addition to providing immediate assistance, pledged to find a long-term solution for all sectors affected by the closure.
The initiative began when the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform, together with Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, sought the assistance of Speaker Romualdez back in February. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Speaker Romualdez collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, they secured P10,000 worth of aid for each affected sugar farmer.
During the AICS distribution held in Balayan, Batangas, Speaker Romualdez expressed his sadness upon hearing the news of the farmers' struggles. He emphasized that the closure of CADPI had resulted in hunger and confusion, affecting not only the livelihoods of 12,000 farm workers but also putting the farms of over 8,772 farmers at risk and displacing 125 mill workers.
In his message, Speaker Romualdez stressed the importance of unity and extending a helping hand during times of crisis. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, and the House Speaker's Office. The distribution of aid served as a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles.
Speaker Romualdez expressed his gratitude to other officials who played a role in assisting those affected by the sugar mill closure. He acknowledged House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Zaldy Co, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, Batangas 1st District Representative Eric R. Buhain and his wife Eileen Ermita-Buhain, as well as Balayan Municipal officials led by Mayor Emmanuel Salvador P. Fronda II.
The Speaker was joined during the AICS payout by TGP Party List Representative Jose “Bong” Teves, Jr., Kabataan Party List Representative Raoul Manuel, and former ACT Teachers Party List Representative Antonio Tinio.
Speaker Romualdez recognized that the AICS assistance would provide some relief to the affected farmers during these challenging times. However, he emphasized that this was just the beginning of their efforts and that he would continue to seek comprehensive solutions to address the plight of those affected by the sugar mill closure.
Officials from the DSWD stated that similar payouts would be organized in the coming days to provide assistance to all those adversely affected by the closure. Speaker Romualdez also called on government agencies present to collaborate and develop a long-term and comprehensive solution to address the displacement issue faced by the farmworkers and their families. He requested their reports as soon as possible to expedite the process.
The distribution of aid to the sugar farmers in Batangas demonstrated the commitment of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and various officials to support those affected by the closure of CADPI. It highlighted the importance of collective action and solidarity in overcoming challenges and finding sustainable solutions for the affected sectors.
The initiative began when the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform, together with Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, sought the assistance of Speaker Romualdez back in February. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Speaker Romualdez collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Through the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, they secured P10,000 worth of aid for each affected sugar farmer.
During the AICS distribution held in Balayan, Batangas, Speaker Romualdez expressed his sadness upon hearing the news of the farmers' struggles. He emphasized that the closure of CADPI had resulted in hunger and confusion, affecting not only the livelihoods of 12,000 farm workers but also putting the farms of over 8,772 farmers at risk and displacing 125 mill workers.
In his message, Speaker Romualdez stressed the importance of unity and extending a helping hand during times of crisis. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, and the House Speaker's Office. The distribution of aid served as a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles.
Speaker Romualdez expressed his gratitude to other officials who played a role in assisting those affected by the sugar mill closure. He acknowledged House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Zaldy Co, Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas, Batangas 1st District Representative Eric R. Buhain and his wife Eileen Ermita-Buhain, as well as Balayan Municipal officials led by Mayor Emmanuel Salvador P. Fronda II.
The Speaker was joined during the AICS payout by TGP Party List Representative Jose “Bong” Teves, Jr., Kabataan Party List Representative Raoul Manuel, and former ACT Teachers Party List Representative Antonio Tinio.
Speaker Romualdez recognized that the AICS assistance would provide some relief to the affected farmers during these challenging times. However, he emphasized that this was just the beginning of their efforts and that he would continue to seek comprehensive solutions to address the plight of those affected by the sugar mill closure.
Officials from the DSWD stated that similar payouts would be organized in the coming days to provide assistance to all those adversely affected by the closure. Speaker Romualdez also called on government agencies present to collaborate and develop a long-term and comprehensive solution to address the displacement issue faced by the farmworkers and their families. He requested their reports as soon as possible to expedite the process.
The distribution of aid to the sugar farmers in Batangas demonstrated the commitment of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and various officials to support those affected by the closure of CADPI. It highlighted the importance of collective action and solidarity in overcoming challenges and finding sustainable solutions for the affected sectors.
May 31, 2023
