THE Executive department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry, as the government’s rice distribution program has already reached around seven million families nationwide.
In a statement on Sunday, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto highlighted the program’s dual impact-providing food to vulnerable households while supporting local farmers-adding that the government will continue expanding direct assistance initiatives for those most in need.
Recto led the distribution of rice to 55,000 families in Oriental Mindoro during his visit to the province this week.
‘President Marcos places great importance on making sure that none of our fellow Filipinos go hungry,’ Recto said in an impromptu speech. ‘The President’s directive is to ensure that government programs reach the people.’
He highlighted that the initiative not only provides poor families with a regular supply of 10 kilograms of rice through the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program but also strengthens the agriculture sector by sourcing palay directly from local farmers.
The program is funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with local governments handling distribution using their own databases to ensure efficient delivery to beneficiaries.
Recto lauded Oriental Mindoro’s implementation of the program, noting that it has resulted in ‘double benefits’-higher incomes for farmers and improved food security for residents.
He added that strong performance by local governments could lead to increased funding support. ‘If the program is implemented well, we will further increase the LGSF,’ he said.
Recto said the government aims to channel about P1.5 trillion to local government units through the National Tax Allotment (NTA) in the coming years, with expected double-digit growth next year to further boost local economies.
Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the value of supporting local produce.
‘Rice of Mindoreños for Mindoreños,’ he said, noting the quality of the province’s harvest.
Recto also commended local officials for their cooperation in ensuring that the program benefits more Filipinos.