Independent presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas launched Monday a livelihood assistance program in Iloilo City to help the El Niño-affected farmers in the construction of their own artesian wells and purchase of water pumps for irrigation.

A joint project with the Lifebank (Rural Bank of Maasin) Iloilo Inc., the Patubig, Patubo and Patubas Rural Livelihood Assistance Scheme (P3-RLAS) is a proactive program that aims to assist farmers endure the effects of El Niño on their livelihood.

It is a micro-financing project offered to farmers for the construction of artesian wells, purchase of water pumps, and other farming needs to help the farmers till their land even during the drought season.

The loan amount from P20,000 to P50,000 is offered to both farmers or the community without collateral. The payment, which starts on the first harvest, is payable in installment from one to three years.
“The water shortage due to the abnormal weather pattern of the El Niño has seriously affected the farmers and their families. Not only has it disrupted the harvest and income generating activities of many, the water scarcity has also caused health related problems,” Perlas said in a statement.

Perlas’ presidential platform has its top priority on agricultural policies and programs to help eradicate poverty.

The prototype artesian well financed by the P3-RLAS livelihood scheme will provide water for the drought damaged farmlands and ricelands initially in barangays Mandog and Maasin in Iloilo.

“We intend to replicate this project in other barangays in the province of Iloilo and in other parts of the Philippines where Lifebank's branches are located,” Perlas said.

Perlas father Jesus C. Perlas Sr. is from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo and his mother Anunciacion M. Pineda is from Maasin, Iloilo.

Perlas' two-day campaign sortie in Iloilo province will take him to 14 towns and a city namely; Maasin, Cabatuan, Janiuay, Lambunao,Calinog, Passi City, Dueñas, Dingle,Pototan, Zarraga, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Sta. Barbara, and Iloilo City.

He will also be in Tagbilaran City in Bohol on March 18 for a two-day campaign caravan in the province.