Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday spearheaded the distribution of rice assistance to 16,000 beneficiaries in Puerto Princesa City, highlighting the government's revamped Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) as a means to deliver services more efficiently to communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the rice distribution event took place at the Edward Hagedorn Coliseum and was a part of the administration's Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (All Towns Will Benefit) initiative, coinciding with the President's visit to Palawan. The event saw the participation of Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo "Cecil" Rodriguez Bayron, Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez, and 3rd District Rep. Gil "Kabarangay Jr." Acosta.
The initiative is financed through the LGSF, providing financial support to local government units (LGUs) to execute programs addressing the needs of their communities. President Marcos emphasized that the LGSF has been restructured to enhance the responsiveness and efficiency of government assistance. He pointed out that the previous system hindered LGUs from easily accessing funds due to protracted approval and validation procedures.
Marcos explained that, under the new system, local governments now play a more significant role in identifying beneficiaries and delivering assistance, rather than relying on national agencies to implement projects. Under this program, eligible beneficiaries receive 10 kilograms of rice every two months. The beneficiaries in Puerto Princesa include solo parents, senior citizens, and low-income earners.
The President also noted that the program supports local farmers by purchasing the rice distributed under the initiative directly from them. As of Wednesday, 1,276 LGUs nationwide had already received financial assistance through the program.
In addition to food assistance, the LGSF supports priority local projects, including infrastructure and community facilities. In Palawan, completed LGSF-funded projects include the rehabilitation of a farm-to-market road in Barangay Tagabinit, concreting of a farm-to-market road in Barangay Marufinas, and the solar electrification of Barangay New Panggangan, all located in Puerto Princesa City.
Marcos reiterated that food security remains a top priority for his administration, expressing a strong desire to combat hunger in the country. He stated the importance of helping fellow citizens who face uncertainty regarding their next meal and expressed hope for a future where hunger is eradicated among Filipinos.
