400 beneficiaries from Prosperidad, Agusan Sur receive 10kg rice each through LGSF, ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ initiative
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – “Our rice budget for the entire week is now free!”
This was the statement of Merlita Goloran Cruiz, a 61-year-old resident of Brgy. Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, as she received her 10 kilograms of rice during the Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat caravan on September 14, held at Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in the municipality of Prosperidad.
Cruiz was among the 400 residents of Prosperidad who benefited from the Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families – Food Assistance/Rice Distribution project. The aid served as a tangible reminder of the government’s continuing efforts to ease the daily struggles of vulnerable households and ensure that no family is left behind.
“This [rice] is already a great help for us, especially as prices of basic commodities such as rice have already soared, making it a lot more difficult for us to manage our household’s budget,” said Cruiz.
She thanked the local and national government for coming up with initiatives to help struggling families such as theirs. Cruiz added that she has also received different types of assistance in the past, from medical to cash assistance, and for that, her family is beyond grateful.
Frederick G. Rivera, another senior citizen and a resident of Barangay Patin-ay, excitedly went to the venue as early as he could upon learning that he had been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the rice distribution. “Some may see this 10 kilograms of rice as insufficient, but for indigent families such as ours, this will already go a long way, as rice is one of the most basic needs of every Filipino family,” he shared.
The rice distribution project is funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to further strengthen the capability of local government units (LGUs) in delivering services to grassroots communities.
Representing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ activity in Agusan del Sur, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Maria Francesca Montes-Del Rosario spearheaded the distribution, along with officials from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) led by Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The distribution underscored the government’s resolve to extend tangible support to indigent families, ensuring that basic needs are met while strengthening the capacity of local government units to serve their communities. Through initiatives like the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ and the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the administration continues to reaffirm its dedication to uplifting grassroots households and fostering inclusive development across all provinces. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
