The Office of the President (OP) on Friday distributed assorted vegetables to 12 barangays in Garchitorena in Camarines Sur province, including island communities with low-income households.

According to data provided by the Presidential Management Staff – Bicol, 4,048 families benefited from the distribution of hundreds of kilograms of cabbage, eggplant, squash, ampalaya (bitter melon), tomatoes, and onions – 237 families in Burabod; 198 families in Cagamutan; 191 families in Dangla; 211 families in Mansangat; 263 families in Cagnipa; 283 families in Tamiawon; 487 families in Binagasbasan; 572 families in Sumaoy; 649 families in Harrison; 249 families in Canlong; 515 families in Denrica; and 193 families in Sagrada.

In addition to the assorted vegetables, the OP distributed Bagong Pilipinas ecobags and fans.

The initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s ongoing efforts to provide food support to vulnerable families while assisting farmers by sourcing produce directly from agricultural areas.

During the distribution, Cagamutan barangay chairperson Gina Nazareno called President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative very timely and beneficial to their barangay.

“This is a big help to our barangays. This is a great relief for the residents, especially at a time when goods are expensive, and it also helps each family eat healthier food,” she said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency 5 (Bicol).

Nazareno said she highly appreciated the President’s move because, although their area is distant, hot, and coastal, the OP still made the effort to reach them and extend assistance.

“Even though we are far away, help has reached us,” she said.

“The President does not forget us,” Nenita Vergara, a resident of Barangay Dangla and a beneficiary of free vegetables, chimed in.

Like Nazareno, she said the vegetables distributed to them would not only reduce their expenses but also add to the nutrients they need every day. (PNA)