By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, together with Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, led the distribution of rice assistance to vulnerable residents in Tondo on Tuesday as part of a continuing effort to provide food support to low-income families in the capital.
The activity, held at the Barangay 72 Covered Court in Tondo, benefited 500 residents, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigent families under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya program.
Funded through the Local Government Support Fund, the initiative seeks to provide immediate relief to communities struggling with rising living costs while promoting food security among vulnerable sectors.
Addressing beneficiaries, the First Lady underscored the importance of ensuring that every Filipino family has enough food despite economic challenges.
“As a mother, it is important to us to have food on the table. Even if we cannot eradicate poverty, we hope that this little thing will help you in the days to come,” Marcos said.
She noted that rice remains a basic necessity for Filipino households and expressed hope that the assistance would ease the burden of families facing financial difficulties.
Mayor Domagoso and Vice Mayor Atienza joined the First Lady in personally handing out rice assistance to residents.
Domagoso emphasized the importance of cooperation between the national and local governments in delivering programs that directly benefit the people.
The Manila mayor said meaningful assistance reaches communities more effectively when government agencies and local officials work together regardless of political affiliations.
He also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for continuing to support programs aimed at improving the welfare of Manila residents.
Manila Department of Social Welfare Director Jay Dela Fuente described the program as a significant initiative that brings direct assistance to the grassroots level.
He said the active involvement of the First Lady reflects the administration’s commitment to helping ordinary Filipinos cope with daily economic challenges.
According to Dela Fuente, another rice distribution activity has been scheduled on June 25 for families residing along Pampanga Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Officials said the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya initiative will continue reaching communities across Metro Manila, prioritizing sectors most affected by inflation and rising commodity prices.
The program forms part of the government’s broader social assistance efforts aimed at helping senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, and other disadvantaged groups meet their basic food needs.
With national and local leaders working together, organizers hope the continuing rice assistance campaign will provide meaningful relief to families while reinforcing the government’s commitment to community welfare and social support.
ia/xf
