President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. intensified the government’s efforts this week to strengthen food security, water access, healthcare, transparency, and social welfare through a series of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.

On Monday, June 22, the President inaugurated an irrigation project in Bohol that will benefit more than 700 farmers while helping mitigate the effects of El Niño.

The President also inspected key infrastructure projects in Cebu and launched a “Walang Gutom Kitchen” facility to provide nutritious meals and ease the burden on vulnerable families.

On Thursday, June 25, the Chief Executive led the inauguration of the Antong Dam and Irrigation System Project in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, to help farmers and mitigate the impact of El Niño.

Through the irrigation project, the President assured farmers in Mindanao that they would have an adequate water supply to increase agricultural productivity, ensure sufficient food production, and enable them to resume planting twice a year.

President Marcos also visited the government’s Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program and the Walang Gutom Program in South Cotabato, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing hunger, poverty, and food security through a whole-of-government approach.

During the event, President Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to further expand the programs to reach more vulnerable families across the country.

The government aims to assist 750,000 Filipino families by 2027 through the Walang Gutom Program, which currently provides qualified beneficiaries with PhP3,000 worth of monthly food credits to help ensure access to nutritious food.

Also on Thursday, President Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) assistance to the provincial governments of South Cotabato and Cotabato.

The President handed over PhP40 million in SCPF assistance to the South Cotabato provincial government and PhP96 million to the Cotabato provincial government.

The SCPF is an Office of the President grant that provides direct financial assistance to local communities. Through initiatives such as the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, it funds barangays and local government units (LGUs) to support public services, disaster management, and education programs.

On Friday, June 26, President Marcos inspected the ongoing construction of the new Hemodialysis Building at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City.

The project forms part of the government’s intensified efforts to improve access to treatment for Filipinos with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The President said, “Pag natapos ito, ito ang magiging pinakamalaking dialysis center sa Southeast Asia.”

The new facility will house 200 state-of-the-art dialysis machines, significantly increasing the institute’s treatment capacity. It is scheduled to open before the end of 2027.

The Chief Executive also inspected flood-control projects along G. Araneta Avenue as part of the government’s intensified flood-mitigation efforts under the “Oplan Kontra Baha” program, launched last year.

Capping the day’s activities, President Marcos launched the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Centralized Open Monitoring Platform for Appropriations and Spending Statistics (DBM COMPASS), saying the new digital platform will make government spending more transparent, accessible, and accountable to the Filipino people. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called for a united national effort to safeguard Filipino children, urging government agencies, schools, parents, teachers, and communities to work together to ensure that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment following a series of heartbreaking incidents involving students.

Speaking in his latest BBMVLOG 282 titled “Protektahan ang Kabataan,” the President said he was addressing the nation not only as the country’s Chief Executive but also as a father deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the nation’s youth.

“Ngayong araw, hindi lamang bilang Pangulo ang aking pananalita, kundi bilang isang ama, bilang kapwa Pilipino, at bilang isang taong lubos na nag-aalala sa kaligtasan ng ating mga anak,” President Marcos said.

The President cited the recent school shooting in Tacloban City, fatal stabbing incidents inside schools in Cavite, and the deaths of two student-athletes during a team-building activity, saying that while the circumstances differed, they carried the same urgent message.

“Kailangang maprotektahan ang ating mga kabataan,” President Marcos emphasized. “Maprotektahan laban sa karahasan. Maprotektahan laban sa kapabayaan. Maprotektahan laban sa panganib. At maprotektahan laban sa mga tahimik na pinagdaraanan at pasaning dinadala ng marami sa kanila.”

The Chief Executive emphasized that schools should remain as places where children learn, pursue their dreams, and develop their potential—not places where parents fear for their children’s safety.

“Ang paaralan ay dapat maging lugar ng pagkatuto, pangarap, at pag-unlad—hindi lugar kung saan nangangamba ang mga magulang para sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga anak,” President Marcos noted.

Ensure the safety of students

The President directed the agencies responsible for education, law enforcement, health, and local governance to further strengthen measures to ensure the safety and security of students across the country.

“Kaya naman inaatasan ko ang ating mga ahensya sa edukasyon, kapulisan, kalusugan, at lokal na pamahalaan na higit pang palakasin ang mga hakbang para sa kaligtasan ng mga mag-aaral sa buong bansa,” President Marcos said.

At the same time, the President noted that protecting children is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government.

President Marcos called on parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives, urged teachers to continue serving not only as educators but also as mentors and counselors, and reminded schools to strictly enforce safety protocols during classes, field trips, training camps, and other school-related activities.

“Ngunit hindi sapat ang pagkilos ng pamahalaan lamang. Dapat manatiling aktibong bahagi ng buhay ng kanilang mga anak ang mga magulang. Dapat ipagpatuloy ng mga guro ang kanilang tungkulin hindi lamang bilang tagapagturo, kundi bilang mga gabay at tagapayo,” the Chief Executive noted.

The President added, “Dapat ring tiyakin ng mga paaralan na mahigpit na nasusunod ang mga panuntunan sa kaligtasan—sa loob man ng silid-aralan, sa mga field trip, training camp, o iba pang gawaing pang-eskuwela.”

President Marcos also underscored the need to restore society’s appreciation for the value of human life by instilling kindness, discipline, and respect among the youth.

“Spend time with your children”

Addressing Filipino students directly, the President offered reassurance to those silently carrying emotional burdens.

“Sa bawat estudyanteng nanonood ngayon: Mahalaga ang iyong buhay. Mahalaga ang iyong mga pinagdaraanan. At ang paghingi ng tulong ay hindi kailanman tanda ng kahinaan,” President Marcos said.

The President likewise appealed to parents to never underestimate the power of spending time with their children and maintaining open communication.

“Huwag maliitin ang halaga ng isang simpleng pag-uusap kasama ang inyong anak. Minsan, ang pinakamahalagang proteksyong maibibigay natin sa ating mga anak ay ang ating oras, atensyon, at pag-unawa,” the President said.

President Marcos concluded by emphasizing that the country’s future depends on protecting the next generation.

“Sapagkat ang tunay na lakas ng ating bansa ay nakasalalay sa kaligtasan, kapakanan, at mga pangarap ng susunod na henerasyon,” the President noted.- PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will conduct an Official Visit to Canada from July 1 to 4, 2026 upon the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Carney will hold bilateral discussions aimed at further deepening Philippines-Canada partnership and advancing cooperation in key strategic sectors. The two leaders are expected to assess progress in defense and security engagements and efforts to expand trade and investment, and explore avenues to bolster cooperation in enhancing economic resilience, strengthening collaboration in energy and critical minerals, and reinforce people-to-people linkages. They will also discuss the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and strategic priorities for the region. Canada has been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 1977 and has maintained a Strategic Partnership with ASEAN since 2023.

A key focus of the visit will be the promotion of business and investment opportunities. President Marcos will lead engagements with Canadian business leaders and investors in sectors critical to the Philippines’ economic agenda, including information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence (AI) and critical infrastructure, critical minerals, and other high-growth industries.

The President will be accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos during engagements with the Filipino community in Vancouver, British Columbia, in recognition of the vital contributions of overseas Filipinos to both countries and to the enduring ties between the Philippines and Canada.

The visit marks the first official visit of a Philippine President to Canada in more than a decade, following the visit of former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III in 2015. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last visited the Philippines in 2017.

The Philippines and Canada celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, reflecting a longstanding partnership founded on shared values, especially in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, strong economic ties, and vibrant people-to-people connections.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Centralized Open Monitoring Platform for Appropriations and Spending Statistics (DBM COMPASS), saying the new digital platform will make government spending more transparent, accessible, and accountable to the Filipino people.

The President also led the ceremonial endorsement of the updated Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Roadmap 2024–2028.

President Marcos said public funds belong to the Filipino people and must always be used for their benefit.

The Chief Executive said DBM COMPASS will enable citizens to monitor where government funds are allocated and spent, encouraging greater public participation in governance.

“Like a compass that points the way forward, this platform allows our people to see and track where their hard-earned money goes,” the President said.

He said making budget and financial information easier to access and understand would empower Filipinos to become active partners in governance and emphasized that public financial management directly affects the delivery of essential services.

“We need to make government budget and spending easily accessible and understandable for every Filipino.”

“That is why we continue to build a government that acts with transparency and delivers with discipline and accountability,’ the President added.

The President said these include the timely construction of schools, better-equipped hospitals, support for farmers and fisherfolk, the completion of infrastructure projects, and the efficient delivery of government assistance to intended beneficiaries.

The President acknowledged that government budgets are often viewed as complicated and inaccessible.

He said this should no longer be the case because every Filipino has the right to know how public funds are being utilized.

“We further improved our evaluation system for government programs and projects so we can determine if their intended outcomes are indeed achieved. Moreover, we expanded Project DIME, which uses satellites to monitor major government projects, even in far-flung areas.”

“These demonstrate our commitment to enhancing the services we deliver to our citizens—by learning from evidence, measuring what works, and ensuring that our programs produce results. ” the President said.

The Chief Executive also said DBM COMPASS builds on reforms already implemented under his administration.

These include the New Government Procurement Act, the Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS), and Project DIME, which uses satellite technology to monitor major infrastructure projects, including those in remote areas.

The president also highlighted the record P57.87-billion allocation for the Local Government Support Fund this year to strengthen the capacity of local government units to deliver essential public services.

The President directed all government agencies to align their budgets with national priorities.

He also instructed agencies to strengthen procurement, reporting, project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Calling for greater public trust in government, the President stressed that transparency and accountability must be practiced at every stage of governance.

“Kung nais nating mapanumbalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan, dapat malinaw, bukas, at nakikita ang ating mga ginagawa. Hindi sapat na tama at kumpleto lang tayo sa papel. Kailangan nararamdaman din ang badyet ng taumbayan,” President Marcos said.

Developed by the DBM under Acting Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon, the updated PFM Roadmap identifies priority reforms in planning and budgeting, cash management, public procurement, accounting and auditing, digital public financial management, disaster risk management, local government financial management, policy reforms, capacity development, and monitoring and evaluation.

The roadmap was prepared through nationwide consultations involving more than 1,000 public financial management practitioners and informed by the 2025 Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Assessment, with support from development partners, including the Asian Development Bank.

DBM COMPASS consolidates budget information—from the National Expenditure Program and the General Appropriations Act to allotments, obligations, and disbursements, into a single searchable online portal where users can track government spending by department, agency, region, funding purpose, fiscal year, and budget document through interactive charts and data visualizations. | PND

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Friday capped the five-day rollout of her “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiative in Metro Manila, leading the distribution of 10 kilos of quality rice to 3,300 beneficiaries in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The distribution was held at the District Center inside Jordan Plains Subdivision in Barangay Sta. Monica, one of the 14 barangays comprising Quezon City’s Fifth District.

The Novaliches leg concluded a week-long series of rice distributions that brought the First Lady to communities in Quezon City and Manila, providing assistance to vulnerable families through the initiative.

Sta. Monica Barangay Chairman Charlie Manalad welcomed the program, saying it successfully reached its intended beneficiaries and would provide sustained assistance through multiple distribution rounds.

“Actually, talagang hindi lang maganda. Magandang, magandang programa. Sa aking pagkakaalam, simula nang umupo ako, first time pa lang na magkaroon nito. Hindi lang isang beses ito dahil magkakaroon ng apat na tranches ang ibibigay sa mga beneficiaries,” Manalad said.

According to Barangay Sta. Monica Kagawad Celso de los Santos, around 1,300 beneficiaries personally attended Friday’s distribution, while the program covers a total of 3,300 beneficiaries from all 14 barangays in Quezon City’s Fifth District.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Araneta-Marcos for extending the assistance to residents, noting that each beneficiary will receive 10 kilos of rice every two months for a total of four distribution cycles.

“We are really lucky because today, our First Lady will give you rice. This is the first time you will receive 10 kilos of rice. But you will receive this four times. Every two months, you will receive 10 kilos,” Belmonte told the beneficiaries.

The mayor added that the rice distributed under the program was sourced directly from Filipino farmers, allowing the initiative to provide assistance to vulnerable families while supporting the livelihood of local rice producers.

Also joining the First Lady during the activity were Fifth District Representative Patrick Michael Vargas, former Congressman Atty. Kit Belmonte, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.

Barangay Gulod Punong Barangay Aldrin Tolentino expressed gratitude to the First Lady, saying the initiative would greatly benefit vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“Taos pusong nagpapasalamat kamik sa Pangulo dahil alam niya kung sino ang karapat-dapat tulungan. Proud kami from QC na kami ay kasama sa programang ito,” Tolentino said.

Among the beneficiaries was 52-year-old Celso Garrett, a person with disability who underwent kidney surgery and was forced to stop working as a driver. Despite his condition, he continues to support his child, who is attending college.

“Importante sa akin ito bilang PWD. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa ating First Lady. Para sa akin, basta tiwala lang sa gobyerno natin ang kailangan,” Garay said.

The event also featured raffle draws where beneficiaries won additional prizes, including sacks of rice, rice cookers, and a television set.

Under the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiative, beneficiaries receive 10 kilos of quality rice per distribution as part of the government’s continuing effort to ease the burden on vulnerable families while promoting the purchase of rice from local farmers. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed the continuous implementation of the G. Araneta Drainage Improvement Project in Quezon City to help ease flooding in the area, as he inspected the completed portion of the project.

President Marcos inspected the Quezon City Drainage Improvement Project as part of the government’s intensified flood mitigation efforts under the “Oplan Kontra Baha” program.

In his message during the event, the President said residents have already experienced the benefits of the new drainage project, as floodwaters now recede more quickly during heavy downpours than they did before.

Flooding had long been a problem for residents, motorists and small businesses, which prompted the government to address the issue, the President said.

“Kaya napakalaking bagay na ayusin natin ito. Kaya ’yan ang ating ginawa, patuloy natin itong gagawin.”

“So dito pa lang ito, one half pa lang ito, kalahati pa lang ito. Gagawin din natin ‘yan dun sa kabila para talagang mabilis ang takbo ng tubig, mabilis ang paglabas ng tubig at hindi na mababaha rito sa G. Araneta Avenue, dito sa Tatalon,” President Marcos said.

Another issue the government has to address is the accumulation of garbage that could clog the newly built drainage system, the Chief Executive said, noting that he would seek the cooperation of the Quezon City local government in addressing the problem.

With the cooperation of the LGU, a system should be put in place to ensure consistent cleanup and declogging of waterways so that garbage does not end up in the drainage system and cause flooding.

“Hihingi tayo ng tulong kay Mayor Joy (Belmonte) at sabihin natin kung puwede ay gawa tayo ng sistema para tuloy-tuloy ang pag-declogging,”

“Ginagawa na ng mga tigarito, nagde-declogging sila. Pero small scale lang. Sa dami ng basura, kailangan talaga meron tayong isang sistema,” said the President.

The Chief Executive conducted a similar inspection in the G. Araneta area last May, which he said was among the critical flood-prone locations being prioritized by the government.

Similar interventions are being carried out across Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Launched by the government last year, “Oplan Kontra Baha,” involves waterway clearing operations, drainage rehabilitation, and pumping station upgrades aimed at reducing flooding in Metro Manila and other flood-prone areas nationwide. PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the ceremonial turnover of Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) Assistance to the provincial government of Cotabato and South Cotabato.

The President handed over PhP40 million SCPF assistance to the South Cotabato provincial government, which was received by Governor Reynaldo Tamayo together with the president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) of South Cotabato and one scholar-representative.

The President likewise led the handover of SCPF assistance worth PhP96 million to the Cotabato provincial government, given to Vice Governor Rochella Marie T. Taray, together with the ABC President of Cotabato and one scholar representative.

The SCPF is an Office of the President grant designed to bring direct financial assistance to local communities. Through initiatives like the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, it provides funding to barangays and Local Government Units (LGUs) to support localized public services, disaster management, and educational support.

Individual barangays typically receive a standard PhP200,000 allocation, with Php100,000 budget intended for community-identified development priorities such as streetlighting, administrative equipment, or disaster response

The other Php100,000 is earmarked to support the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Scholars. Each scholar receives Php 20,000 each to cover academic expenses.  PND

Malacañang on Thursday expressed confidence that the Philippine economy could register stronger growth in the second quarter of 2026 as government infrastructure spending gains momentum following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive to release funds for priority public works projects.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration expects the resumption of infrastructure activities to contribute to economic expansion after several projects experienced delays amid the government’s review of flood control and other public works programs.

“Since ngayon ay gumaganda naman ang paggastos sa imprastraktura, nakikita nyo naman po. So nakikita  sa second half this year ay malamang magkakaroon na ng konting improvement,” Castro said.

The government has been accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects, particularly those that were previously approved and had already started construction but remained unfinished.

President Marcos earlier directed concerned agencies to facilitate the release of funds for ongoing infrastructure projects to ensure their timely completion and to sustain economic activity across the country.

The move comes as the government seeks to strengthen growth drivers following a slower-than-expected economic performance in the first quarter of 2026. The Philippine economy also faced challenges during the period, including elevated oil prices, inflationary pressures, and uncertainties in the global economic environment.

Government economic managers initially projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5 to 6 percent for 2026 but revised the target range to 3.5 to 4.5 percent in June.

Castro cited a statement from Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Kim De Leon, who said that recent domestic and external developments, including geopolitical uncertainties and efforts to improve governance and the quality of infrastructure implementation, require a calibrated policy response.

According to the DBM, the government remains committed to pursuing strategic and high-quality public investments supported by stronger project preparation, integrated infrastructure planning, and improved budget execution.

The resumption of infrastructure activities follows the government’s intensified review of flood control projects after concerns were raised over alleged irregularities involving so-called “ghost” flood control projects.

The review prompted agencies to reassess ongoing and proposed projects, resulting in temporary disruptions in some construction activities.

Government officials, however, said measures are now being undertaken to resume legitimate projects while ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending. – PND

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Thursday led the distribution of free quality rice to 500 families in Zone 38, District 3, Sta. Cruz, Manila, as part of her “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiative aimed at helping vulnerable sectors across Metro Manila.

The activity marked the fourth consecutive day of rice distribution under the program, following similar visits to Barangay Doña Imelda in Quezon City, Barangay 72 in Tondo, Manila, and Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City.

Speaking before residents at the covered court of Barangay 377 on Pampanga Street, the First Lady said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had asked her to personally convey his gratitude to the people for their continued support of the administration.

The First Lady reiterated the message she shared during previous distributions, emphasizing the government’s efforts to ease the hardships faced by low-income families.

“We cannot eradicate poverty 100 percent, but we can at least do a bit to lessen the burden in the days to come,” First Lady Araneta-Marcos said.

Joining the First Lady during the event were Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza.

The rice distributed to beneficiaries was directly procured by the City Government of Manila from local farmers through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The assistance covered 500 families from 10 barangays comprising Zone 38, specifically Barangays 373 to 382 in Sta. Cruz.

Moreno thanked President Marcos and the First Lady for bringing the initiative to Manila, noting that senior citizens stand to benefit greatly from the assistance.

“Ako ay lubos na natutuwa ngayon upang sabihin sa aking minamahal na lolo’t lola. Ako ay lubos na nagagalak para sa inyo,” Moreno said.

Barangay 377 Chairman Mark Grande also expressed gratitude to the First Lady and the city government for selecting Zone 38 as a beneficiary of the program.

“Kami ay lubos na natutuwa, sapagkat ang 10 kilong bigas ay mahalaga sa buhay ng isang tao. Lalo na sa mahihirap na barangay, PWD, mga single parent, at mga nakatatanda. Alam namin na kailangan nila ito,” Grande said.

Among the beneficiaries was former Barangay 375 kagawad Josephine Casipit, 62, who welcomed the assistance and described it as a significant help to residents, particularly senior citizens.

Residents likewise said it was the first time a First Lady had personally visited their community, making the occasion even more meaningful.

“Malaking bagay ito. Kaya natuwa ako nang maging isa ako sa mga natulungan. Sana bigyan pa ng suporta ang mga senior citizens na katulad ko, lalo na ang aming kalusugan,” Casipit said. PND

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Wednesday led the distribution of rice to 1,300 residents of Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City as part of her “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiative aimed at helping ease the burden of vulnerable families.

Speaking before beneficiaries at the Bagong Pag-asa Covered Court, the First Lady underscored the importance of ensuring families have food on the table, saying the initiative reflects the administration’s concern for the welfare of Filipino households.

“Ako naman bilang ina, mahalaga sa atin na mayroong makain sa lamesa,” First Lady Araneta-Marcos said.

The First Lady was joined by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Barangay Chairwoman Francine “Chinggay” O. Bilaos during the distribution activity.

Addressing residents, First Lady Araneta-Marcos acknowledged that poverty remains a challenge but said government programs can help lessen its impact on families.

“Even if we cannot eradicate poverty 100 percent, at least we can do a bit to lessen the burden. I hope this little gesture will help ease your burden in the days to come. Maraming salamat for letting us be of service to you,” the First Lady noted.

Prior to the First Lady’s remarks, Belmonte said the rice assistance program is funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with Quezon City purchasing rice directly from farmers.

The mayor said some 210,000 families in the city are expected to receive 10 kilograms of rice each under the program initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Belmonte, the distribution will be implemented in four tranches and is expected to cover about 25 percent of households in Quezon City.

“Ito na ang pinangakong pangalawang tranche at meron pang dalawang tranche na susunod. Gusto ko ring ipaabot ang pasasalamat sa ating mahal na Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng ating Unang Ginang dahil ang programang ito ay mula mismo sa kanya,” Belmonte said.

For her part, Bilaos thanked the President and the First Lady for including Barangay Bagong Pag-asa among the beneficiaries of the program.

“Very blessed po talaga ang aming barangay dahil isa po kami sa mga beneficiary nitong programa. Apat na wave ito at pangalawa na po ito ngayon,” Bilaos said.

Residents who received the rice assistance expressed gratitude for the government’s continued outreach efforts.

Cayetano Arellano, 75, a retired employee of the Development Academy of the Philippines, said the assistance would help supplement household expenses.

“Malaking bagay sa amin ito dahil malaking tulong sa amin. Pero ang pinakaimportante ay nabibisita kami dito sa aming lugar,” Arellano said.

Another beneficiary, Marietta Palafox Sumagac, 70, a native of Badoc, Ilocos Norte, who works at a small store at the Kadiwa Center along Visayas Avenue, thanked the President and the First Lady for the assistance.

“Salamat kay First Lady at kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil naalala pa kaming mahihirap. Nananalangin ako na maayos ang mga problema ng bansa. Ang gusto sana ng marami sa aming mahihirap ay tutukan ng gobyerno ang pagkakaroon ng trabaho,” Sumagac said.

The activity marked the third day of the First Lady’s weeklong visit across Metro Manila. Earlier this week, she also led rice distribution activities in Barangay Doña Imelda in Quezon City and Barangay 72 in Tondo, Manila.- PND