President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the distribution of rice assistance to more than 52,000 beneficiaries in Lucena City and provided educational support to 165 presidential scholars under the government’s expanded assistance programs.

During the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang event in Lucena City, a total of 52,439 beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors, including indigent families and senior citizens, received 10 kg. of rice through the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program.

The recipients will continue to receive rice every two months, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Castro said the initiative not only provides support to vulnerable communities but also benefits Filipino farmers, as the rice distributed to beneficiaries is procured from local producers.

“Maging ang ating mga kababayan na magsasaka ay matutulungan ng programa dahil sa kanila binibili ang dekalidad na bigas na pinamimigay sa beneficiaries (The program also helps our farmers because the quality rice being distributed to beneficiaries is purchased from them),” she said.

She emphasized that the program creates a direct link between farmers and communities needing assistance.

While in Lucena City, Marcos also met with 165 presidential scholars, each receiving PHP20,000 in educational assistance under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

In his speech, Marcos encouraged the scholars to continue pursuing their education, describing knowledge and skills gained through learning as a lifelong asset that cannot be taken away.

“Study hard. Work hard. It will be your treasure. It will be what you will have with you for the rest of your life,” the President said.

Marcos urged the scholars to use their education as a means of contributing to their families, communities, and the country, whether through careers in government service, business, or other professions.

He said the scholarship program aims to assist deserving students who are committed to their studies but face financial challenges that could prevent them from completing their education.

Under the program, each barangay receives PHP200,000, with half of the amount allotted to support five presidential scholars who each receive PHP20,000 in educational assistance.

The remaining funds may be used by village officials for priority community projects.

Marcos said the program is expected to benefit more than 200,000 students nationwide every year, with five scholars selected from each of the country’s more than 42,000 villages.

He added that the government will consider increasing funding for the program in future budgets if evaluations show positive results. (PNA)