DASMARIÑAS, Cavite — The Philippine government distributed P12.36 million pesos in financial aid to farmers affected by El Niño in Cavite province on Thursday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the aid distribution at Dasmariñas Arena, handing over the funds to Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla for local government units to distribute.

The government also provided P14.51 million pesos in assistance to Rizal province. The aid is expected to benefit 4,700 farmers in the Southern Tagalog region.

“We are here to provide financial assistance and other support to affected farmers, fisherfolk, and their families,” Marcos said in his speech.

Other government agencies contributed additional aid.

The Department of Agriculture distributed farm machinery and equipment, including tractors and rice threshers. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provided motorized boats and fishing gear.

The Department of Labor and Employment gave 2.17 million pesos to 418 beneficiaries of its workers’ assistance program and 1.02 million pesos to 50 recipients of its livelihood program.