Photo By: Pampanga PIO
LUBAO, Pampanga — Around 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk in Lubao received financial and livelihood assistance from the local government unit (LGU) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga during the celebration of Farmers’ Day 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
The assistance distribution was held as part of the culminating activities of the Sampaguita Festival and was led by Governor Lilia Pineda and Mayor Esmeralda Pineda, together with members of the Provincial Board, Sangguniang Bayan, and barangay officials.
Beneficiaries received ₱2,000 cash assistance, food packs, and sugar aid in support of the agricultural and fisheries sectors, which continue to face rising production costs and economic challenges.
Mayor Esmeralda Pineda said the program aims to recognize the important contribution of farmers while helping them promote and sell their products.
“Alam naman natin na ang ating mga farmers ay kabilang sa mga higit na nahihirapan, kaya mahalagang mabigyan sila ng assistance at suporta upang mas maipromote at maibenta ang kanilang mga produkto. Sa simpleng paraan na ito, nace-celebrate at nabibigyan natin sila ng pagkilala,” Mayor Pineda said.
Governor Lilia Pineda also encouraged farmers and fisherfolk to prioritize their health and assured them of continued medical assistance from the provincial government.
“Kung may kailangan o nararamdaman po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa Kapitolyo sa pamamagitan ng inyong mga kapitan, lalo na kung may problema kayo sa pagbabayad sa pribadong ospital. Ayaw na po ni Nanay na may ma-dialysis, mabulag, o magka-cancer pa. Lahat ito ay maiiwasan kung tutulungan ninyo ako sa aking preventive program,” Governor Pineda said.
As part of the assistance package, 58 farmers’ associations each received 100 liters of diesel fuel aid from the LGU to help reduce the burden of increasing fuel prices and sustain farming operations. The fuel assistance is distributed twice a year, while fertilizer assistance is also scheduled for release later this month.
Several associations were likewise given knapsack sprayers and coolers to improve agricultural productivity and support their livelihood activities.
The Farmers’ Day celebration also featured a mini marketplace in front of the Lubao Municipal Hall, where local farmers and fisherfolk displayed and sold fresh agricultural produce and seafood products. The activity highlighted the municipality’s farming and fishing industries while encouraging residents to support locally produced goods. (PR-Pampanga PIO)