By Billy Begas
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday led the distribution of cash assistance to some 800 sugar farmers who were adversely affected by the closure of the largest sugar mill in Batangas.
“Nang makausap ko ang mga magsasakang naapektuhan ng pagsasara ng sugar mill sa Speaker’s Office, nalungkot ako sa dala nilang balita. Alam ko ang epekto ng pagsasara ng sugar mill. Kagutuman at kalituhan ang tiyak na resulta nito,” said Romualdez during the AICS distribution held at Balayan, Batangas.
Romualdez was referring to his meeting with the members of the Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform together with Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas last February following the closure of Central Azucarera de Don Pedro, Inc. (CADPI).
He then coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide assistance to the farmers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Each beneficiary was given P10,000.
“Maliit na halaga po lamang ito. Pero tiwala ako na kahit paano, makakatulong ito para maituwid sa gutom ang mga naapektuhang pamilya,” the Speaker said.
The House leader noted the closure of CADPI, the largest sugar mill in Region IV and the second largest in Luzon had stripped 12,000 farm workers of regular jobs, placed the farms of more than 8,772 farmers at risk, and displaced 125 mill workers.
“Today, as we distribute these much-needed resources, we are not just providing financial support; we are also offering a glimmer of hope, a symbol of solidarity, and a reminder that no one is alone in their struggles. It is my firm belief that by working together and supporting one another, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way,” he added.
Romualdez also acknowledged the help of House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co, Brosas, Batangas Rep. Eric Buhain, and his wife Eileen Ermita-Buhain, and officials of Balayan Municipal led by Mayor Emmanuel Salvador Fronda II for helping the people affected by the sugar mill closure.
During the AICS payout, the Speaker was also joined by TGP party-list Rep. Jose Teves, Jr., Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, and former ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio.
