President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday promised continued government efforts to boost inter-island connectivity in Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas as he opened a new port facility in Camiguin.

President Marcos led the inauguration of the P86.9-million Benoni Port Light Craft Landing Station, which he said could enhance tourism and economic activity in the regions involved.

The President likewise inspected the P171.3-million Benoni Port Operations Building during the event.

“Today’s inspection of the new Port Operations Building and inauguration of the Light Craft Landing Station in Benoni Port reflect this commitment,” the President said in a speech during the launch of the newly built light craft landing station in the town of Mahinog.

“This project further strengthens Camiguin’s primary transport link that connects the province to the Port of Jagna in Bohol and the Port of Balingoan in Misamis Oriental.”

The facilities will serve domestic vessels and handle rolling cargoes, fuel, and other essential goods that support the province’s daily needs, the President emphasized.

The President said that by 2030, passenger traffic is projected to reach about 955,327 while vehicle traffic is expected to grow to more than 155,491.

In addition, the Light Craft Landing Station will provide a sheltered port for fishermen to dock their boats safely, safeguarding their livelihoods, the chief executive added.

The landing station is the Port of Benoni’s first-ever dedicated Light Craft Landing facility, featuring a new berthing facility, a trestle, and a two-story landing station that provides a dedicated area for light vessel operations.

By separating light craft activities from the main port, the facility improves vessel movement, enhances navigational safety, minimizes congestion, and increases overall operational efficiency while providing a safer and more convenient travel experience for residents and visitors.

Apart from Port of Benoni, the government also continues to develop the Port of Balbagon and the Port of Guinsiliban, to ensure Camiguin’s connectivity and accessibility. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) as part of efforts to modernize the country’s premier fish port and improve its resilience to frequent flooding.

During the inspection, President Marcos witnessed the unloading, hauling, and trading of fish products at Market 1 and toured the facility to assess its operations and ongoing improvement works.

Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) General Manager Glen Pangapalan briefed the President on the operations of the fish port and the ongoing rehabilitation of Markets 1 and 2.

The President was joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Navotas City Mayor John Reynald Tiangco.

President Marcos’ visit underscored his commitment to ensuring the continued rehabilitation and improvement of the fish port complex to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, expand market access for fisherfolk, and reduce transportation and logistics costs.

The ongoing improvements at the NFPC also aim to address frequent flooding in the area during high tides and typhoons, helping ensure the continuous operation of the fish port despite severe weather conditions.

The government, through the PFDA, is undertaking the rehabilitation and improvement of the NFPC to modernize the facility and strengthen its capacity to handle the growing volume of fish products and vessel operations.

The project covers the rehabilitation and construction of market halls, reinforced concrete wharves, drainage and sewerage facilities, reclamation works, a shipyard, backup areas, utility facilities, and other related port infrastructure.

Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to provide safer, cleaner, more efficient, and climate-resilient facilities while improving the unloading, handling, and distribution of fish products, reducing transportation and logistics costs, preserving fish quality, and minimizing spoilage.

The project is also expected to create jobs and livelihood opportunities for residents of Navotas and nearby communities.

The construction of the 49-hectare Navotas fish port began in 1974 following a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. It was completed in 1977, officially opened in 1979, and has since become the country’s largest fish port and one of the biggest in Asia.

The NFPC serves as a major source of fish products for Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Its operations have continued to expand in recent years, with fish unloading increasing from 196,580 metric tons in 2023 to 221,692 metric tons in 2025. Vessel arrivals also increased from 24,570 in 2023 to 26,128 in 2025.

Before leaving the fish port, President Marcos interacted with fish traders and buyers, many of whom were chanting “Ninong Bongbong!” | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. capped two weeks of sustained governance by advancing key initiatives in food security, social protection, infrastructure, disaster preparedness, economic growth, peace and order, digital transformation, and foreign relations through a whole-of-government approach.

The two-week period, from June 29 to July 10, was highlighted by the elevation of Philippines-Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership, the US$2.5 billion in Canadian investment commitments, the launch of major infrastructure and social welfare programs, intensified disaster preparedness ahead of Typhoon Inday, record government revenues from state corporations, and renewed commitment to protecting the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The President inaugurated the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Zamboanga City on June 29 to strengthen the government’s fight against hunger, food waste, and malnutrition.

The President also inaugurated the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 9B Headquarters in Sulu, enhancing police operational readiness and supporting peace and order in the province, where authorities likewise turned over 195 surrendered firearms as part of the administration’s peace-building efforts in Mindanao.

‘Mula sa Puso, Para sa Pamilya’ initiative

Meanwhile, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos distributed rice to 8,898 senior citizens in San Juan City under the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” program. The administration also sustained anti-inflation interventions through food subsidies, KADIWA stores, and other measures that helped keep inflation low while maintaining investor confidence.

On June 30, the First Lady extended rice assistance to 2,645 families in Valenzuela despite heavy rains and led the country’s first National LGBTQIA+ Gathering.

The government also advanced environmental rehabilitation efforts, while economic initiatives included BPI’s removal of digital fund transfer fees, approval of a PhP85 daily minimum wage increase for Metro Manila workers, and expanded PhilHealth coverage for leptospirosis patients.

On July 1, President Marcos honored the Philippine Air Force during its 79th anniversary, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to military modernization and national defense.

On the President’s orders, a steel bridge in Pangasinan was completed, and assistance was extended to victims of the Tacloban school shooting,

Official Visit to Canada

Also on July 1, President Marcos embarked on an official visit to Canada to expand trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation.

During the visit, the President met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, business leaders, and the Filipino community.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Carney jointly visited a Jollibee branch in Vancouver, a Filipino-Canadian-owned business that reflects growing business ties between the two nations.

On July 3, the Chief Executive and Prime Minister Carney elevated Philippines-Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership and secured US$2.5 billion in investment commitments covering mining, clean energy, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, and information technology.

Both countries also committed to pursuing a free trade agreement, strengthening defense cooperation, and upholding a rules-based international order.

While in Canada, President Marcos also welcomed the Philippines’ classification as an upper-middle-income economy by the World Bank, met with overseas Filipinos, congratulated tennis star Alex Eala on her Wimbledon campaign, reiterated the administration’s anti-corruption drive, and ordered a study on the effects of violent online games on minors.

Upon returning to the Philippines on July 5, President Marcos immediately resumed domestic governance.

Infrastructures, social programs, disaster preparedness

On July 6, the President launched Phase 2 of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project, awarded secure land titles to 1,000 urban poor families in Antipolo under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, and directed all concerned agencies to intensify preparations as Typhoon Inday entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Government agencies simultaneously prepositioned food packs, medicines, rescue assets, and emergency response teams nationwide.

On July 7, President Marcos presided over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo to review military operations, modernization efforts, and national security priorities.

The administration accelerated economic and social programs on July 8, as President Marcos launched the country’s first nationwide School-Based Feeding Program and Milk Feeding Activity for all public school learners.

The President also announced that Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards continue to evaluate regional wage adjustments, while the PAG-IBIG Fund reduced socialized housing loan interest rates and increased the maximum housing loan ceiling.

During the GOCCs Day celebration, President Marcos recognized government-owned and controlled corporations for remitting a record PhP139.8 billion in dividends. The Department of Finance projects cumulative dividend collections under the administration to reach PhP501.431 billion by the end of 2026, providing additional resources for priority government programs without imposing new taxes.

The Chief Executive also appointed Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. to strengthen interagency coordination and ensure the efficient implementation of government priorities.

On July 9, President Marcos welcomed a proposed investment by Amazon Web Services to expand digital infrastructure in the Philippines and met with former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in improving government services.

The administration also announced that the completion of new school buildings at San Francisco High School in Quezon City ended double-shift classes. The 4-story, 36-classroom school building was constructed within a year after a fire gutted the structure.

The newly constructed school building was complemented by another structure, a 24-classroom – the Henry Sy Sr. Hall – built through a collaboration with SM Supermalls.

President Marcos noted that the swift and efficient use of public funds for the construction of the school building demonstrates how government resources can translate into quality infrastructure that directly benefits the people.

Also, the Executive Branch expedited the release of the FY 2024 Performance-Based Bonus for qualified government employees, while the First Lady’s food assistance program reached more than 35,000 vulnerable families and fire victims.

The two-week period concluded on July 10, with President Marcos reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order during the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, underscoring the country’s resolve to peacefully uphold its sovereign rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.

Throughout the two-week period, the Marcos Administration continued to implement policies and programs aimed at improving public services, expanding economic opportunities, strengthening disaster resilience and national security, promoting digital transformation, and enhancing the welfare of Filipino families while deepening the Philippines’ partnerships with the international community. – PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to international law and the rules-based international order, emphasizing that the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award remains a vital instrument for protecting the country’s sovereign rights, preserving peace in the South China Sea, and safeguarding the livelihoods of present and future generations of Filipinos.

Speaking at the diplomatic reception marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, President Marcos said the ruling represents more than a legal victory, describing it as a reaffirmation that disputes between nations must be resolved peacefully through international law rather than through coercion or the use of force.

“As we mark the conclusion of today’s landmark commemorative conference, we gather not merely to celebrate a legal milestone, but to reaffirm a living truth that peace can only endure when it is anchored on justice, mutual respect, and the sovereign equality of all nations,” the President said.

President Marcos recalled that when the Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings in 2013 or 13 years ago, the country deliberately chose “dialogue over confrontation, law over intimidation, and peace over conflict,” reflecting its enduring faith in a rules-based international order.

The President noted that the rule of law serves as “the great equalizer of all nations,” ensuring that justice is not determined by military strength, territorial size, or economic power, but by universally accepted legal principles and treaty obligations.

The President pointed out that “the 2016 Arbitral Award is not just an abstract triumph of jurisprudence. It has a profound and deeply human dimension.”

“At its heart, this award is about people. It is about our fisherfolk whose ancestors have cast their nets in these waters for many generations, and who deserve to fish in peace, in safety, and with the dignity to feed their own families. It is about our coastal communities whose survival is tied to the health and ecological integrity of our oceans,” President Marcos noted.

“When we defend the rule of law, we are not merely defending lines on a map. We are defending the lives, the livelihoods, and the future of our peoples,” the Chief Executive added.

The law exists ultimately to protect the vulnerable, to shield human dignity from the whims of raw power,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized that over the past decade, the arbitral award has become an important reference in the interpretation and application of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), strengthening confidence in international dispute settlement mechanisms and reinforcing the principle that agreements between states must be honored.

“Adherence to international law has proven to be non-negotiable, irreplaceable, non- optional,” President Marcos added.

The President reiterated that the Philippines remains firmly committed to the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS while pursuing peaceful and constructive engagement with all nations.

“Our pursuit of peace is not passive. It requires the courage to defend what is right, to uphold our international commitments, and to engage constructively with all who seek mutual respect and shared prosperity. We hold a simple but unwavering conviction,” President Marcos said.

The President pointed out that “the South China Sea must never be an arena of conflict. It must remain a sea of peace, cooperation, and connectivity. A body of water that sustains livelihoods, fosters trade, protects marine biodiversity, and unites rather than divides our nations.”

President Marcos called on governments, diplomats, legal experts, and the international community to continue upholding international law and strengthening cooperation to safeguard peace and security.

“The legacy of the 2016 Arbitral Award is still unfolding,” the President said. “The responsibility to build upon this foundation now belongs to all of us—to governments, to diplomats, and to everyday citizens who believe that peace is best secured through the rule of law.”

The President also thanked the Philippines’ international partners for supporting the country’s commitment to a rules-based international order, expressing hope that the next decade would be defined by stronger cooperation in protecting the oceans, defending the vulnerable, and promoting a stable and peaceful international community.

The diplomatic reception held at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City was attended by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, legislators, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Cabinet and the judiciary, as well as local and international partners and stakeholders. | PND

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Friday led the distribution of rice to 3,100 vulnerable sector beneficiaries in Mandaluyong City under her Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya socio-civic initiative, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program.

Funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the 10 kilos per family initiative benefited residents from all 27 barangays of the city, including 2,000 senior citizens, 1,000 members of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations (JODA) and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA), and 100 children with disabilities.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the First Lady conveyed President Marcos’ message of gratitude and affection for the people of Mandaluyong while acknowledging the continuing economic challenges faced by many Filipino families.

“Pinadala ako ng asawa ko para iparating ang mensahe na love na love niya ang mga taga-Mandaluyong,” First Lady Marcos said.

The First Lady recalled how the support Mandaluyong residents showed during a difficult period in the President’s political career left a lasting impression on their family.

“Naalala ko ang asawa ko noong tumakbo siyang Vice President at natalo. Pagpunta namin sa Cebu, lahat ng taga-Mandaluyong ay nagpalakpakan at tumayo. Kaya umiyak kami. That’s why we love Mandaluyong,” she said.

Recognizing that the rice assistance is only a modest contribution, the First Lady expressed hope that it would help ease the burden of beneficiaries, even for a few days.

“Alam ko, mahirap ang panahon ngayon. We cannot eradicate poverty 100 percent. But, sana this little rice… hopefully it will make things easier for the next couple of days,” she said.

Mandaluyong City Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos thanked President Marcos and the First Lady for once again including the city in the administration’s rice distribution program.

“Pangalawa na po ito. Kung natatandaan ninyo, kayo rin ang unang nakatanggap ng first tranche. May pangatlo pa at may pang-apat pa. Iyan po ang ibinibigay ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos dahil ramdam nila ang inyong mga problema,” Abalos said.

The Mayor also expressed the city’s gratitude to the First Lady for her continued concern for Mandaluyong residents.

“Ma’am, maraming-maraming salamat po. Hindi ninyo nakakalimutan ang mga taga-Mandaluyong. Ang lahat ng tulong ninyo sa aming pamilya at sa buong Mandaluyong ay hindi namin malilimutan,” she added.

As in previous distribution activities under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya initiative, beneficiaries also had the chance to win raffle prizes, including additional sacks of rice, rice cookers, digital television boxes, and television sets courtesy of the First Lady.

For 62-year-old Cora Tolores of Barangay Addition Hills, a Bantay Bayan volunteer and TODA member, the rice assistance will provide immediate relief to her household.

“Malaking tulong po dahil imbes na bibili pa kami ng bigas ay ilalaan na lamang sa ibang bagay ang pera,” Tolores said.

Tolores shared that she and her husband, a tricycle driver, are raising four grandchildren after their father died three years ago, making every peso count as prices of basic commodities continue to rise.

The distribution was attended by newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., former Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Abalos, League of Cities of the Philippines National President and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos, city officials, barangay leaders, and representatives of the beneficiary sectors.

The Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya initiative continues to complement the Office of the President’s Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program by providing direct assistance to vulnerable communities nationwide under the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.- PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna on South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa during a farewell call to the Chief Executive at Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

During the event, a citation of President Marcos stated that Ambassador Lee was given the Order of Sikatuna, with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Gold Distinction, “in recognition of his many significant contributions to strengthening and deepening the strategic partnership and overall relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.”

The President’s citation was read by Undersecretary Reichel Quiñones, the chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs.

“For his outstanding and dedicated service in the field of international relations and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of the Government of the Republic of Korea,” the citation read.

The Korean ambassador was with his wife, Madame Lee Eun hwa during the event.

The Order of Sikatuna is the Philippines’ highest diplomatic merit honor in recognition of foreign officials, diplomats, and nationals for exceptional efforts in bolstering international relations.

The citation added that Ambassador Lee was also given the award for his steadfast efforts in promoting high-level official dialogues and exchanges between the two countries.

The award was also bestowed upon the Republic of Korea ambassador in recognition of his support and facilitation in concluding numerous government-to-government cooperation agreements and advancing the effective implementation of existing bilateral initiatives.

These areas of cooperation include maritime affairs, defense procurement, veterans affairs, law enforcement, efforts to combat transnational crime, legal cooperation, agriculture, infrastructure development, trade and investment, economic innovation, critical raw materials, cosmetics, intellectual property, digital cooperation and innovation, digitalization, nuclear energy, cultural exchanges, tourism, and education.

It also cited Ambassador Lee’s role in furthering the Republic of Korea’s consistent contributions to enhancing socio-economic development in the Philippines by promoting investments in strategic industries, such as semiconductors and shipbuilding, and advancing development assistance through technical cooperation, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, and the environment.

It likewise cited the ambassador’s many laudable initiatives to foster amity and mutual appreciation between the Filipinos and the Korean people. PND

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is intensifying training and upskilling programs while pursuing measures to improve Filipino workers’ wages, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a Palace official said Thursday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration is eyeing the creation of high-quality jobs and the provision of higher compensation for Filipino workers.

“Sa utos ng Pangulo ay isinusulong ni Labor and Employment Secretary Francis Tolentino ang paggawa ng mga hakbang para sa upskilling at pagpapataas ng sweldo ng mga Pilipino,” Castro said during the press briefing.

“Kabilang sa mga workforce programs ng ahensya ang pagpapalawak ng nationwide Trabaho Agad job fairs na naglalayong maghatid ng libo-libong job opportunities sa mga naghahanap ng trabaho sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas,” she added.

The DOLE Trabaho Agad job fairs are massive simultaneous hiring events held nationwide, with hundreds of local and overseas employers joining the programs

These job fairs also feature one-stop-shop documentary processing for clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund.

Other DOLE initiatives include the Labor Education for Graduating Students program, which aims to prepare students before they enter the national workforce.

It is complemented by DOLE’s increased partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide more training for Filipino learners and workers, as well as additional entrepreneurship training for members of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Livelihood Program.

“Ayon sa ahensiya, napapanahon nang paunlarin ang labor force ng bansa at mag-invest sa employable skills para gawing future-ready ang Filipino workers. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, katuwang ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng mga dakilang manggagawa,” said the Palace official. PND

Qualified government employees may receive their Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) earlier this year as the government moves to expedite its processing and release.

During a Malacañang press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the FY 2024 Performance-Based Bonus for qualified government employees will be processed and is expected to be released within the year, possibly earlier than in previous years.

“Ito mismo ang salita mula sa DBM. Ang Fiscal Year 2024 Performance-Based Bonus para sa mga kwalipikadong kawani ng pamahalaan ay ipoproseso at inaasahang maipagkakaloob ngayong taon. Baka mas maaga pa, earlier,” said Castro.

Castro also said that funding for the FY 2024 Performance-Based Bonus has already been provided under the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring that sufficient funds are available for its release.

“Ang pondo para dito ay nakapaloob sa Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act,” said Castro.

Castro added that the earlier processing and release of the bonus are in line with Item 9 of Executive Order No. 61 and the provisions of the Technical Working Group Memorandum Circular No. 2026-1, dated July 3, 2026, which outlines the detailed schedule, timelines, and procedures for the processing and release of the Performance-Based Bonus.

Castro also encouraged government employees to refer to the Technical Working Group Memorandum Circular for more detailed information on the implementation schedule.

“Para sa mas detalyadong schedule ng implementasyon kabilang ang mga target na timeline para sa pagproseso at pagpapalabas ng Performance-Based Bonus, maaari pong sumangguni sa Item 9 ng EO Number 61, Technical Working Group Memorandum Circular Number 2026-1 na may petsang July 3, 2026, “ Castro stressed. | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. to go around the country and ensure that government services are felt by the people, a Palace official said on Thursday.

“Instead of a CabSec focused on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings, ang utos ni Presidente kay CabSec Benhur ay siguraduhing nararamdaman at napapakinabangan ng bawat Pilipino ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

“And as CabSec, President Marcos Jr. also directed him to go around the country to represent him and call on the Cabinet members to help address the concerns of the public. All these tasks are embodied in CabSec Benhur’s terms of references attached to his appointment,” she added.

Castro said the President fully trusts Abalos, that is why he was given the Cabinet Secretary post and also for the administration to widen its regional reach so that the people get the services they need from the government.

The Palace official pointed out that Abalos’ appointment can be considered a new position and the President’s way of redefining the Cabinet Secretary post.

“Pursuant to his authority to reorganize the executive branch, particularly the Office of the President. And second, the plenary power to appoint. The President has the plenary power to appoint,” explained Castro.

Asked why the President appointed a Cabinet secretary and whether he sees the need to organize the Office of the President, Castro said President Marcos wants effective and widened government services by sending his official instead of a CabSec focusing on managing the President’s Cabinet meetings. | PND

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos on Thursday continues her outreach initiatives under the socio-civic initiative “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya,” as the number of beneficiaries receiving free rice through the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program in Parañaque City reached about 35,000 vulnerable families.

The latest distribution was held at the Parañaque Sports Complex, where the First Lady led the second tranche of the rice rollout for beneficiaries from Barangay San Antonio.

The First Lady thanked local government officials and residents for their continued support and participation in the program.

Of Parañaque City’s 16 barangays, Barangay San Antonio alone accounted for 2,579 beneficiaries in the latest distribution. City officials said two more distribution rounds are scheduled before the end of the year.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. launched the free-rice assistance program in February amid concerns over rising prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Under the First Lady’s initiative, thousands of beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors across Metro Manila have been receiving 10 kilograms of quality rice per family.

The rice was directly purchased by the LGUs from local farmers through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and the centerpiece program of the Office of the President, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang.”

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez said priority beneficiaries include senior citizens; tricycle, pedicab, and jeepney drivers; persons with disabilities; fisherfolk; solo parents; 4Ps beneficiaries; and 555 families affected by a fire in May.

Among those who received rice were friends Jiva D. Toyong and Ella Nathalie D. Pabroa, both 4Ps beneficiaries from Hontiveros Street, who represented their parents during the distribution.

“Malaking kabawasan ito sa gastusin sa pang-araw-araw,” said Toyong, whose mother, Josephine Disbarro, works as a street sweeper.

Pabroa said her mother, who works at a mall, was unable to attend the event.

Also present during the distribution were San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, First District Representative Eric L. Olivarez, Second District Representative Brian Raymund A. Yamsuan, and Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Lopez De Leon.

Barangay Kagawad Mark Aragon welcomed the program, saying it directly benefits residents who need assistance the most.

“Magandang programa ito na direktang pakikinabangan ng aming mga kabarangay,” Aragon said.

Mayor Olivarez thanked the First Lady and President Marcos for bringing the program to Parañaque.

“Iniikot po niya ang mga LGU upang makita ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan. Ramdam na ramdam ng Lungsod ng Parañaque ang pagmamahal at kalinga ng ating Mahal na Presidente,” Olivarez said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng Local Government Support Fund, 35,000 vulnerable families sa Parañaque ang makikinabang dito, at hindi lang isang tranche kundi maraming tranche pa ang ipagkakaloob sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added. | PND