The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed 25-kilo of rice each to 3,000 residents from the towns of Calumpit, Obando, and Paombong in Bulacan on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Recipients include members of the 4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, and families affected by flooding.
The rice donation were part of the smuggled rice seized by the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City in May and later donated to the DSWD for distribution to poor households.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the distribution in Barangay Tawiran, Obando was accompanied by Vice Governor Alex Castro, Mayor Leonardo Valeda, Provincial Administrator Antonia Constantino and PSWDO head Rowena Joson.
In his message, Gatchalian conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s assurance that his administration will continue to provide ample, affordable, and accessible rice supply for Filipinos.
“We are seeing a rise in the prices of rice not because there is shortage in production but because there are hoarders who manipulate the situation. The President will not let that happen further, that is why the government is bent on tracking these hoarders,” he said.
He added the national government will continue monitoring the rice situation to provide solutions to its skyrocketing price of rice in markets.
In addition, Gatchalian underscored the government will continue to monitor rice hoarders and illegal importers.
“It is important for the President that every Filipino has food on their tables. You can ensure that the President will continue to give the needs of all families especially when it comes to providing food,” he stated.
He also pledged that DSWD will conduct continuous distribution to provide rice and other food assistance to the poor and most vulnerable.