By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the first rollout of 10-kilo rice packs in Manila Thursday night, praising the city’s local government under Mayor Isko Moreno for being “always ready” when aid is needed most.
The President personally handed out 10-kilo bags of National Food Authority rice to Manila residents on April 16, 2026, as part of the administration’s food security push amid elevated prices of basic goods.
Manila was among the first cities to receive the allocation, the President said, citing the LGU’s fast coordination and organized distribution system.
“Ang laging handa ang LGU ng Maynila na si Mayor Isko,” Marcos told beneficiaries and city officials. “Kapag sinabi nating may kailangan ang tao, naka-set up na agad sila. That’s the kind of local government we need.”
He said Manila’s system for identifying beneficiaries and mobilizing personnel made it easier for national agencies to roll out aid quickly and orderly.
Mayor Isko Moreno thanked the President for choosing Manila as one of the first rollout sites. He assured Malacañang of the city’s full support for national aid programs.
“Basta para sa tao, laging handa ang Maynila,” Moreno said. “We’ll make sure every sack reaches families who need it most.”
The Office of the President said the rice distribution is part of a broader food security program targeting vulnerable sectors across Metro Manila and the provinces in the coming weeks.
The NFA assured the public of sufficient rice stocks for continuous distribution, while the DSWD will work with LGUs to finalize beneficiary lists and delivery schedules.
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