First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Thursday oversaw the distribution of free rice to some 500 families in Sta. Cruz, Manila under her Mula sa Puso, Para sa Pamilya initiative.

The program benefited residents from 10 villages in Zone 38, District 3 of Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The distribution marked the fourth consecutive day of the initiative’s rollout across Metro Manila communities.

Speaking to beneficiaries, Araneta-Marcos conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s gratitude to residents for their continued support for the administration.

She reiterated the government’s efforts to provide assistance to vulnerable sectors and help ease the burden on low-income households.

“We cannot eradicate poverty 100 percent, but we can at least do a bit to lessen the burden in the days to come,” Araneta-Marcos said.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Angela Lei Atienza joined the activity and thanked the national government for extending assistance to city residents.

The rice assistance was sourced through the City Government of Manila, which procured the supply directly from local farmers under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

Domagoso thanked President Marcos and the First Lady for bringing the initiative to Manila, noting its significance to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single parents and other vulnerable residents.

Barangay officials and beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the assistance.

Among the beneficiaries was 62-year-old former Barangay 375 councilor Josephine Casipit, who described the assistance as a big help, particularly for elderly residents. (PNA)