OVER 3, 000 Malabon City residents – mostly coming from the poor communities – have benefitted from the latest rollout of the rice distribution program initiated by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in partnership with the local government units.
The initiative was also part of Mayor Jeannie Sandoval ‘Hapag Sigurado: Rice Distribution para sa Malabueños’ program wherein recipients included persons with disabilities and members of other vulnerable sectors.
Sandoval, who expressed gratitude for the initiative of the first lady to extend much-needed assistance to her constituents especially during critical times, cited the vital synergy between the national and local governments in making the rice roll-out possible.
The first lady, who mingled with the residents, said that as a mother herself, she knew how essential it was to have food on the table.
City Administrator Alexander Rosete said the local government aims to deliver aid to the Malabueños who need it most. “We will continue to strengthen our programs so that every Malabueño receives adequate support.”
The city chief executive said the support from the national government has enabled Malabon to broaden the scope of its food security efforts, ensuring more families benefit from responsive and inclusive services.
“The continued support of the national government for our programs for the people of Malabon means a great deal to us. Through our partnership, we are able to expand the reach of our assistance and ensure that no household is left behind in our initiatives for food security, better livelihoods, and progress.”
Since the program’s launch in Malabon, the local government has distributed 15,799 rice packs—equivalent to 76.59 percent of its target of 20,629 beneficiaries under the first tranche, according to Rosete.
Previous recipients were ambulant vendors, fisherfolk, village watchmen, pedicab drivers and operators, solo parents, fire volunteers, scavengers, homeowners’ association members, children in conflict with the law and job order and casual employees, among others, Rosete told Good Riddance.
He stressed that the initiatives were all part of the Sandoval administration’ sustained commitment to strengthening food security and enhancing the quality of life for every Malabueño.
