Manila, Philippines – The Local Government Units (LGUs) are scheduled to distribute free rice to their respective residents.
This was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and concerns over rising prices of basic commodities.
According to the President, LGUs will begin distributing the free rice within the next two weeks.
The funds for this initiative will come from their Local Government Support Funds (LGSF).
Under this program, LGUs are required to use a minimum of 50% of their LGSF to purchase rice for free distribution to their constituents.
It is up to the local government units if they wish to allocate 100% of the fund for this purpose.
DA CONFIRMS STEADY FERTILIZER SUPPLY FOR FARMERS
To further ensure food security in the country, the President assured that there is a sufficient supply of fertilizer for farmers for the next planting season, based on reports from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Meanwhile, other measures being implemented by the government in response to the surge in petroleum prices and the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency continue to support the agriculture sector.
These include the DA selling rice at ₱20 per kilo at over 600 Kadiwa outlets, continuing roll out of fuel and fertilizer subsidies, and ensuring the country’s rice buffer stock that will last an additional 10 days, amounting to approximately 379,000 metric tons.
In addition, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has reduced fees for roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels carrying essential goods, while toll concessionaires on expressways have also implemented discounts.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has granted truck ban exemptions for cargo trucks and motor vehicles transporting essential and perishable goods.