Manila: The local government launched the 'Bigay Bigas sa Masa' rice program, targeting 41,958 beneficiaries here on Monday. Mayor Raisa Tre±as said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. downloaded the initiative in cities and provinces to help their constituents. Under the program, qualified beneficiaries can receive 30 kilos in three tranches.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tre±as mentioned that Iloilo City is among the first in Region 6 (Western Visayas) to implement the rice distribution program. The city plans to release the second tranche on August 29, followed by the third on October 29. An additional tranche is scheduled for December, providing rice and groceries to beneficiaries, with plans to sustain the program into the following year.

The initial launch benefitted 1,030 recipients from neighboring barangays in La Paz. Future distributions in other barangays and subsequent tranches will be delivered directly to beneficiaries' homes. The program is funded by PHP72 million from the Local Government Support Fund, with beneficiaries identified by the City Social Welfare and Development Office based on national government guidelines.

Mae Jover, a 63-year-old beneficiary from Barangay Divinagracia, expressed gratitude for the 10-kilo rice, highlighting its impact on her weekly budget. Similarly, Elma De Asis, 58, from Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte, acknowledged the program's significant assistance to her and her fellow residents.