Manila: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, stepping in for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., spearheaded the distribution of relief packs to families affected by heavy monsoon rains in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the First Lady personally distributed 'Charitimba' food packs under a bridge near Malaca±ang in Legarda, Manila. In a video shared on social media, she can be heard assuring residents, 'Galing sa asawa ko 'to (This is from my husband),' as she handed out the food packs.

The gesture was also echoed in a Facebook post, where she mentioned: 'Sabi kasi ng 'bossing' ko (My boss said): 'Wish I was there to help our kababayans.'' This comes as President Marcos concludes his official visit to the United States and travels back to Manila.

Malaca±ang has assured the public that President Marcos has been actively monitoring the situation in the country, issuing necessary directives to relevant government agencies.

Collaborating with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the First Lady distributed a total of 350 Charitimba packs. She was accompanied by PCSO General Manager Mel Robles and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. In a separate initiative, 650 packs were distributed in Barangay Sta. Lucia by PCSO Chief of Staff Jeremy Regino to those evacuated due to flooding.

This relief effort aligns with President Marcos' directive to prioritize immediate aid to disaster-affected communities and is part of the PCSO's corporate social responsibility program. The ongoing southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to affect large parts of Luzon and some areas of Visayas, causing widespread flooding and class suspensions.