Malacañang guaranteed the unhampered, year-round implementation of the administration’s rice distribution program for vulnerable families.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto made the assurance during his recent visit to Cebu province, where some 120,000 families receive rice aid under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program.

The initiative seeks to provide 10 kilograms of rice to some eight million vulnerable families every two months.

“Hindi ito one-time, big-time. Kada dalawang buwan ang bigayan. Simple lang ang bilin ng Pangulo: Walang pamilyang Pilipino ang dapat magutom (This is not a one-time, big time. Every two months there will be distribution. The President’s directive is simple: no family should go hungry),” Recto said.

He added that farmers and their families will also benefit from the program as the government will directly purchase rice from them.

The program is supported by the PHP57.87-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) this year, the highest allocation ever.

Aside from rice aid, the fund will also be used to build farm-to-market roads, water systems, health facilities, and multipurpose buildings that may serve as evacuation centers during calamities.

“Ang gusto ng Pangulo, ramdam ang gobyerno hanggang sa bawat bayan at barangay. Kapag may pangangailangan ang tao, dapat may kakayahan ang LGU (local government units) na kumilos at tumulong agad (The President wants government to be felt in every town and barangay. If people need something, LGUs should be able to provide immediately and extend help),” Recto said.

He said LGSF may be increased next year if proven effective. (PNA)