Manaoag: The municipality of Manaoag, Pangasinan will soon receive a farm-to-market road worth PHP15 million from the national government through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

According to Philippines News Agency, in a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Pangasinan on Wednesday, Manaoag town Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario said the local government unit (LGU) has requested for the road project that would benefit residents, especially the farmers. "It is in Barangay Pugaro, which is a big community in our town. The road would connect barangays Sapang and Pugaro," he said.

Rosario mentioned that they are just waiting for the final advice from the Department of the Interior and Local Government to start the bidding process for the project. "LGSF empowers the LGUs to implement projects based on their needs," he said.

Rosario also highlighted that 1,286 residents of the town from vulnerable sectors such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those working as parking assistants and candle sellers at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, among others, have received initial rice subsidy under LGSF. Under the program, the beneficiaries will each receive 10 kilograms (kg) of rice every two months, or six times a year.

"This is a very good program," Rosario said, emphasizing its role in ensuring food security for vulnerable sectors. He also commended the transparency in the implementation of the project, which could be monitored through an online portal.

The LGSF and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) are key components of the government's efforts to strengthen support for LGUs and communities. The LGSF provides financial aid to LGUs to support their priority development programs and projects, while the SCPF supports community initiatives, including educational support.