Siargao’s Pilar town receives massive rice distribution from PBBM’s LGSF
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — To strengthen grassroots food security and provide relief to local families, the local government of Pilar in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, started the municipality-wide rice distribution to households funded under the national government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and strengthened the campaign on Bawat Bayan Makikinabang (BBM).
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, it also aims to cushion vulnerable households against global inflation and rising commodity costs.
For the coastal municipality of Pilar, located on the eastern coast of Siargao Island, it local economy heavily relies on farming and fishing. The direct transfer of food resources provides a vital safety net for families working in these sectors.
More than 10,000 high-quality, 10-kilogram rice packs were delivered directly to designated distribution centers in each of Pilar’s 15 barangays.
“This program bridges the gap between the national government resources and the immediate needs of our families,” Pilar Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said. “By ensuring that every household receives this food assistance, we are directly easing the financial burden on our local communities.”
To maintain absolute transparency and efficiency, the local social welfare office is utilizing updated household databases to ensure every family is accounted for without duplication.
Municipal workers and barangay officials set up designated, shaded distribution stations to keep the process orderly and comfortable for residents. Priority lanes were also established for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Nanay Flora, one of the beneficiaries, expressed deep appreciation for the timely support during the distribution on July 1, noting that the rice subsidy enabled them to divert their limited household budget toward other essentials, like education, healthcare, and utilities.
“With the rising prices of goods, making sure there is always food on the table while stretching my income to cover electricity, school supplies for my kids, and basic household needs has been incredibly stressful. Thank you for looking out for us and for making sure that national programs reach the hands of everyday citizens in Surigao del Norte. This assistance didn’t just fill our plates; it truly eased our minds and comforted our hearts.”Nanay Flora said.
Pilar Mayor Jess Gonzales, on the other hand, thanked the volunteers and workers who assisted with the heavy lifting of sacks of rice from loading to unloading, and the MSWDO team for ensuring a smooth, safe, and orderly distribution process.
“Thank you to our President Marcos Jr. for launching this program. It provided massive relief to our community. Ultimately, thank you to us—the taxpayers! Proper tax compliance is what makes vital programs like this possible.” Mayor Gonzales said.
He added that they are strictly adhering to all national government guidelines and directives to ensure their municipality remains eligible for even larger allocations in the coming years. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)
