Mandaluyong city: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Friday spearheaded the distribution of rice assistance to 3,100 beneficiaries in Mandaluyong City, marking the first public appearance of newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. since his appointment.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event was conducted under the First Lady's 'Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya (From the Heart to the Family)' initiative, a socio-civic effort aligned with the government's ongoing commitment to assist vulnerable sectors. This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s flagship program, Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (Under the New Philippines, Every Town Will Benefit).
The rice distribution, held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium, reached residents from all 27 villages, including senior citizens, members of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations, Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA), and children with disabilities. Each beneficiary received 10 kilos of rice, funded through the Local Government Support Fund.
First Lady Araneta-Marcos relayed the President's message of gratitude and support to the Mandaluyong residents, emphasizing that the assistance aims to alleviate the economic burdens faced by families. She expressed that although the rice aid is a modest contribution, it is intended to provide immediate relief to the beneficiaries.
Abalos highlighted that the assistance program echoes the President's directive to ensure that government services permeate communities nationwide. As the newly appointed Cabinet secretary, Abalos is tasked with enhancing coordination among government agencies, addressing community concerns, and ensuring effective program implementation.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita Abalos expressed gratitude to Marcos and the First Lady for consistently including Mandaluyong in the administration's assistance programs. Beneficiaries also participated in a raffle, winning prizes such as additional sacks of rice, rice cookers, digital television boxes, and television sets.
Among the recipients was 62-year-old Cora Tolores from Barangay Addition Hills. As a Bantay Bayan volunteer and TODA member, she affirmed that the rice assistance would significantly ease her family's financial strain, allowing them to allocate funds to other necessities. Tolores and her husband, a tricycle driver, are raising four grandchildren after the passing of their father three years ago, and they continue to navigate the rising cost of living.
Source: Philippines News Agency
