Zambales farmers and fishermen aided by the Church of Jesus Christ post-Typhoon Egay

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partnered with local public and private organizations to aid over 220 farmers and fishermen in the Zambales province and help them recover from the agricultural losses and damage caused by Typhoon Egay.

Last November 18, 2023, farmers and fishermen from the towns of Iba, San Narciso and San Felipe were invited to the turnover ceremony at the Polytechnic College of Botolan in Iba, Zambales. Apart from local representatives of the Church, the event was also attended by local officials and businesses from the agriculture industry who expressed their willingness to help revive the farming and fishing industry in the area.

For its part, the Church, through its humanitarian services, has donated high-quality fertilizers and deep-sea lights to aid the farmers and fishermen and their families, not only to provide for themselves but also to jumpstart their livelihoods, which were recently ravaged by the typhoon.

Hon. Irene Binan, the Mayor of Iba, expressed her gratitude to the Church for providing timely assistance. She mentioned that the infestation of pests is a significant challenge for local farmers in Zambales. This problem results in low-crop yield seasons, discouraging farmers and increasing their debts.

On the other hand, RiceUp Farmers Inc. and the Rural Bank of San Narciso helped the local farmers and fishermen obtain no-interest loans to help them buy seedlings and necessary tools and equipment without the burden of heavy interest.

Regular training and seminars will also be provided to the selected beneficiaries. Self-reliance and personal finance education spearheaded by the Provincial Agricultural Office of Zambales will equip the beneficiaries with the knowledge to handle debt apart from other effective business practices.

The recipients and local leaders expressed their appreciation for the partnership of the Church and other organizations who banded together to help raise the agricultural industry in the province.

San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento said that it is easy to forget that every help a farmer or fisherman receives benefits their family first. This assurance at home will help each farmer or fisherman do better in their livelihoods, which, in turn, benefits the community.

In her message, Zambales Representative, Hon. Doris Maniquiz, highlighted the effect of helping each other, especially during times of crisis. “Even with small efforts, if everyone is united and work together, great blessings will come,” she said in Filipino.

Lester Dela Cruz, a member of an Aeta tribe, also thanked the Church and all others who organized the event. "God is good," he said. "Sometimes the crops are destroyed, but we don't give up because we know blessings will come," he added.

Remedios Susa recalled how she almost lost hope when a recent drought destroyed their crops. Thanks to the help of the local government and the Church, she purchased a water pump with accessories and other necessities from the proceeds. Now, she no longer worries about drought and is confident about a better harvest.

During disasters, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends food, clothing, medical supplies, and other emergency relief assistance to bless the lives of those with urgent needs. Last year, 155 projects in 50 countries helped people around the globe. People in 175 countries and territories have been assisted since 1985.

In recent years, the Church has responded to hundreds of requests for aid from around the globe. These include assistance for earthquake and tsunami victims; emergency aid following tornadoes, hurricanes, or typhoons; help for those impacted by floods and mudslides; and relief for refugees and other victims of war.

To learn more about and participate in the Church’s humanitarian efforts in the Philippines and worldwide, visit the Church’s Philanthropies page here: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/.