The provincial government of Ilocos Norte on Wednesday started its rice distribution program targeting the most vulnerable sectors affected by increasing food prices.

Through the national government’s Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU) program, 8,749 low-income families, including solo parents, tricycle drivers, construction workers, senior citizens and persons with disabilities received 10 kilos of rice each at separate distribution sites in the cities of Laoag and Batac, and in the nearby town of Sarrat.

During the ceremonial distribution at the Ilocos Norte Trading Center in Batac City on Wednesday, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his efforts to eliminate hunger and for allocating nearly PHP15 billion to the initiative.

“Everybody will receive, but please be patient while we consolidate the lists,” Araneta-Marcos told the Batac recipients during the program’s initial phase.

The governor stated that the program’s implementation concurs with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected fuel and food prices, thereby impacting the most vulnerable sectors.

Mayor Mark Christian Chua announced that, on behalf of 3,809 beneficiaries in Batac, the city government organized another food distribution to complement the provincial rice initiative.

“Be it a small or a big blessing, let us be thankful as this will augment our family needs in this time of crisis,” he said during a simple program at the distribution site.

Filirose Mark Battulayan, a farm worker from Barangay Camguidan, said government programs such as this are greatly appreciated.

“The continued provision of cash and livelihood assistance to the needy (during these challenging times) will go a long way toward making ends meet,” Battulayan said.

The rice distribution program, in cooperation with local government units, is providing food relief to families amid tensions in the Middle East and supporting local farmers. (PNA)