First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Tuesday led the second day of the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” rice distribution initiative, providing food assistance to vulnerable families in Tondo, Manila.

The First Lady personally distributed 5-kg. sacks of rice to 500 beneficiaries on Masinop Street, District 1, including senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In her message, Araneta-Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that Filipino families have food on their tables.

“Bilang isang ina, mahalaga sa atin ‘yung may pagkain sa table (As a mother, I know how important it is to have food on the table). Even if we cannot eradicate poverty, at least we hope that this little thing will help you in the days to come,” she said.

The First Lady was accompanied by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso during the activity.

Manila Department of Social Welfare Director Jay Dela Fuente said the assistance would help beneficiaries cope with rising household expenses.

The First Lady’s rice distribution program will continue in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City on Wednesday, before returning to the capital city on Thursday for another round of distribution in Barangay 377 in Sta. Cruz.

The program was officially launched on Monday with about 1,200 families receiving rice assistance in Barangay Doña Imelda in Quezon City. (PNA)