Dumaguete: The local government unit (LGU) of this Negros Oriental capital is preparing to implement the second phase of its rice distribution program, targeting 32,000 households, an official announced on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lilibeth Filipinas, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), stated in an interview that the rice distribution is scheduled to take place from April 20 to May 5. The distribution will follow individual schedules within the barangays.

"This is an LGU-funded counterpart with a budget of PHP20 million for the distribution of 12.5 kilos of rice per household to beneficiaries recommended by the barangays," Filipinas explained in a mix of English and Cebuano.

The first phase of the rollout, conducted from late February to March, also reached the same number of beneficiaries and had an equivalent funding amount, which was provided by the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Filipinas added.

The rice distribution initiative is part of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, designed to assist residents in managing the increasing costs of commodities amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Barangays are encouraged to prioritize and compile a list of constituents eligible for the rice assistance. Filipinas advised residents whose names are not on the beneficiary list to check with their barangay chairperson or any official to ensure their inclusion and verify compliance with requirements, such as presenting a valid ID.

She highlighted that each household is entitled to receive 12.5 kilos of rice, regardless of the number of individuals or families residing there.