The city government is finalizing the list of beneficiaries of the rice and food assistance to indigents funded by its PHP56 million share from the national government’s Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA).

“Baka mai-distribute na natin ito kaagad, matapos lang ang registration at paglilinis ng listahan (We might be able to immediately do the distribution after the registration and cleansing of the list),” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said in an interview on Wednesday.

He said that no politician, including him, is involved in the process, which is facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Magalong said the CSWDO has announced the guidelines for the rollout of the rice distribution project aimed at providing food assistance to qualified residents in the city.

The program, implemented under the Department of Budget and Management-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DBM-DILG) Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026, seeks to support indigent families and vulnerable sectors amid rising food and living costs.

Timely assistance

Magalong said he is thankful for the city’s inclusion in the program for this year, which he said will cushion the impact of soaring oil prices on living conditions.

He said that the rice assistance is apart from the city’s support to the transport sector, where it gave PHP5,000 cash aid to over 1,300 jeepney drivers.

The mayor said the distribution of PHP3,000 assistance to taxi drivers is also ongoing.

The transport sector support is sourced from the city’s funds, where all other affected sectors, like those in the tourism industry, are expected to get aid.

The CSWDO started the registration and assessment for eligibility on April 13 in multiple barangays and designated venues throughout the city.

CSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan said they organized the schedule into several sections to accommodate residents from different districts.

“Applicants are advised to proceed to their assigned venues on specified dates for proper assessment,” Bulayungan said.

Beneficiaries of the program include indigent individuals and families as well as members of vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities.

She said minimum wage earners may also qualify, provided they are bona fide residents of the city. (PNA)