President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday distributed P157.9 million in agricultural aid to Ilocos Norte farmers and fisherfolk during the celebration of Marcos Day in Batac City.

Honoring his father, the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., on his 107th birthday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged to boost farm productivity and combat hunger in Ilocos Norte, the province of the Marcoses.

“This aid is just part of our larger aspiration to recognize the hard work and sacrifices you make for the Ilocos and the entire country,” Marcos told the farmers and fishermen.

“Every step that we take comes under the unity that we have forged between the different agencies of our government,” he added.

Marcos mentioned the national agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Department of the Interior and Local Government, that were ordered to provide easy access of services to the people.

Around 1,000 farmers, fishermen and livestock raisers from different associations in the province received other support like seeds, tractors, fertilizer, fishery paraphernalia, fuel subsidies and solar-powered irrigation systems worth more than P156 million.

Meanwhile, Marcos assured the people of continued government support for the agricultural stakeholders.

“We are here to continue to support and bring whatever help we can,” he said.

Marcos led in the distribution of financial assistance through the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City.

The initiative is aimed at providing aid to 9,500 beneficiaries from Ilocos Norte’s first district, focusing on supporting low-income families and individuals.

The AKAP program is crucial for those facing economic challenges, offering financial relief to help alleviate poverty and promote sustainable growth in marginalized communities.