By Rudy Abular
THE municipalty of Lubao in Pampanga on Thursday celebrated the 10th Sampaguita Festival by giving various forms of assistance to some 3,437 farmers, fisherfolk and farm associations of the town.
Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda said the annual celebration is highlighted by handing of financial assistance, fuel subsidies and goods to local farmers and fishermen.
Each beneficiary received P1,000 cash aid and five kilos of rice.
A total of 48 farm associations also received fuel subsidies and financial aid worth P30,000.
The mayor said the assistance came from both the provincial government of Pampanga headed by Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and the local government unit of Lubao.
Gov. Pineda was assisted by Pampanga vice-governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and former President now Pampanga 2nd district Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the distribution of assistance held at the municipal hall of Lubao.
Mayor Pineda and Vice Mayor Jay Montemayor served as hosts during the event.
Governor Pineda said the provincial government acknowledges the sacrifices of the farmers, particularly amidst challenges such as the El Niño phenomenon.
“Naghandog tayo ng tulong bilang pasasalamat sa farmers natin dahil sila ang bumubuhay sa kanilang pamilya, at sa mga kinakain po natin sa araw-araw. Sa mga ganitong okasyon, nirerecognize natin ang ating mga magsasaka,” the governor said.
Governor Pineda also announced the construction of a P 320-million state-of-the-art rice complex and warehouses near the bamboo hub through the joint efforts of the provincial government and Congresswoman Arroyo.
Apart from the distribution of assistance, an Agri Trade Fair was also held where fresh vegetables, fruits, seedlings, and other locally-produced goods were sold.
“Importante po sa akin ang Farmers Day dahil nakakasama po namin kayo. Nakakaproud 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.
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