President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday personally visited the people of Basilan to provide immediate assistance to farmers affected by the “cocolisap” infestation in the province.

Speaking before the members of Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Larbeco), President Duterte ordered the immediate release of the much needed funds for Basilan, which main industry is coconut.

“Iyong mga kinakailangan ho ninyo, ibinibigay namin kaagad at ihahabol namin kung ano pang kailangan ninyo dito lalo na sa rehabilitation ng inyong coconut industry,” the President said.

The President accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol distributed farm tractors to the farmers. Farmers were also given seeds and fertilizers for additional livelihood assistance.

The Chief Executive also distributed fishing boats and nets for fisherfolk.

President Duterte committed several improvements in the province particularly on health, education and power sector.

He said he would source out funds for the upgrading of government-run hospitals, construction of more schools and to address power problem.

“Sa gobyernong ito, may parte kayo sa pera ng gobyerno at aabot sa inyo,” he said.

“Mahal kayo ng Presidente ninyo,” he added. PND