President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday pledged to help Cagayan’s seafood industry after it suffered damages from the onslaught of Typhoon Marce

“Ang inaalala ko ‘yung seafood growers. Nasira ‘yung kanilang mga beds eh. So that’s what the DA (Department of Agriculture) will look into,” President Marcos said during his visit to Buguey, Cagayan where he led the aid distribution for affected municipalities.

“Not so much crops, pero ‘yung fisheries ninyo [ang naapektuhan]. Dahil crab capital kayo ng Pilipinas, maraming naghahanapbuhay diyan sa ganyang klaseng negosyo. So, we have to do everything that we can para i-restore kaagad ‘yan,” he said.

The President said the DA will help farmers and fishermen once a damage assessment is completed.

The town of Buguey, located in the heart of Cagayan, hosts an annual Crab Festival every October, symbolizing the town’s rich cultural heritage and ecological significance of the region.

Buguey is considered the crab capital of North Luzon.

The President said support for typhoon-hit communities will continue through a whole-of-government approach.

“Ang mga nasiraan naman ng hanapbuhay, nandiyan ang DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment). Magdadala sila ng tinatawag na TUPAD. Itong TUPAD na ito ay kaunting tulong para naman makabalik kayo sa inyong hanapbuhay,” the President said in referring to the short-term employment program of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.

“And then the DepEd (Department of Education) is here precisely to continue the repairs that are needed in the school buildings. And, of course, kay (Secretary Manuel) Manny Bonoan sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) kung ano ‘yung mga imprastrukturang nasira na kailangan nating ayusin.” | PND