The Philippine government has reaffirmed its commitment to the distribution of free rice as part of the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program (BPRP), aimed at alleviating hunger among impoverished families. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed the continuation of this initiative during a recent visit to Cebu.
Free Rice Initiative Targets Millions of Families
This is not one-time, big-time. Distribution [of rice] would be every two months. The President's directive is simple: no Filipino family should go hungry.
Ralph Recto, Executive Secretary
- 120,000 families received rice in Cebu during Recto's visit.
- BPRP aims to serve nearly 8 million families nationwide.
Under the BPRP, families receive 10 kilos of rice every two months, with a budget allocation of over P57.87 billion sourced from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). Recto emphasized that this effort is designed to be consistent and impactful.
The initiative not only addresses food scarcity but also bolsters local agricultural economies. Recto noted that rice purchased for the program comes directly from local farmers, benefiting both the families receiving aid and the farmers providing the food.
Furthermore, the LGSF finances essential infrastructure projects such as roads, health facilities, and multipurpose buildings that can serve as evacuation centers during emergencies. Recto stated, "What the President wants is for the government to be felt in every town and barangay. When the people are in need, the LGU must have the capacity to act and help immediately."