President Bongbong Marcos Jr. paid Tawi-Tawi a visit to aid the farmers and fishermen there, as well as their families.
Marcos visited Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, this morning, where he personally handed 10,000 beneficiaries P10,000 each in financial aid.
In his speech, Marcos said he came to Tawi-Tawi to see for himself that its people would receive the Office of the President's help.
"Sa lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan na nandidito, mula sa mga pinuno hanggang sa bawat empleyado, sisiguraduhin po namin na makakarating ang lahat ng tulong, programa, oportunidad sa ating mga mamamayan. Lalo na sa pinakamalayong lugar tulad ng Basilan, tulad ng Tawi-Tawi," the President declared.
"Laging unahin ang kapakanan ng pinakanangangailangan."
["To every government agency here, from official to employee: we will ensure that all aid, programs, and opportunities will reach our citizens. Especially in the farthest places like Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.
"The welfare of those who are most in need must be prioritized."]
Marcos also gave P10 million to the local governments in Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.
House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez also distributed 5 kilos of rice to everyone present.
The Tawi-Tawi governor, Yshmael Sali, expressed his gratitude to the President for devoting time to visit a distant region, which the governor mentioned was a big deal in itself, and additionally bringing them aid in abundance.
Marcos is scheduled to go to Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao del Sur later this afternoon.
The President announced these weekly out-of-town activities would be part of his regular schedule, as he believes effective governance is achieved in a leader's presence among his constituents, so he may hear their grievances.
Marcos also wants to personally survey the progress government projects have reached, adding that only the locals would truly understand the situation in their area.
Last week, Marcos had given P50 million in financial aid to farmers and fishermen in parts of Northern Mindanao, namely: Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental.
