49-year-old PWD tricycle driver benefits from ‘Benteng Bigas’ program
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —Bernaldo Madelo, a 49-year-old person with disability (PWD) and a tricycle driver from Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, benefited from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s P20 rice program during the Handog Ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Tapat Para Sa Lahat event.
“I am thankful for the P20 per kilo of rice and for extending this program to the members of the vulnerable sectors in the province,” Madelo said. “Because it’s affordable this time, we can use the rest of our rice budget to buy other essential items for our home.’
He presented his PWD ID when he purchased the P20 kilo of rice, which allowed him to avail of 10 kilos for only P200.00. This government initiative aims to make basic commodities more affordable and accessible, especially for vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, and low-income families.
Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) Agusan del Sur, the activity on September 13 at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC), D.O. Plaza Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, generated a total sale of P196,600, benefiting 983 individuals.
Attending the event on behalf of the President was Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran, who emphasized the President’s call for inclusive governance.
“President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. always reminds us that ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ means services that can truly be felt in every community. That is why he wishes for all of us to come together—with no one left behind, no one neglected,” she said.
“And today, we are showing this through government services, which are being held simultaneously in different parts of the country. This is proof that we have a government ready to provide opportunities and comfort for all of us,” she added.
Governor Santiago B. Cane, Jr. shared that the President chose to spend this day in service to the very people who entrusted him with leadership—an act the governor described as the highest form of gratitude: to dedicate one’s day and one’s life to serving the nation.
“The services of our national government agencies (NGA)—from education, livelihood, health, and many more—are brought directly to our communities,” he said.
“The provincial government, together with the local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies, is fully committed to this mission. Let us remember, the government cannot do this alone. True progress comes when the government and the people work hand in hand, and when every family continues to persevere and do their part,” he added.
Different national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies were present to provide various services in response to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as part of his birthday initiative aimed at bringing government programs and assistance closer to the people. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
