DA distributes 5K kilos of rice to 500 drivers

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 500 public transport drivers benefitted from the rice distribution program of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) under the nationwide “Handog ng Pangulo” initiative.

DA-7 information officer Cheryl dela Victoria said that the agency released yesterday the 100 bags of rice, each weighing 50 kilos, for a total of 5,000 kilos.

She said that the rice was divided between 250 drivers endorsed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and 250 habal-habal drivers from Cebu City. Each driver received 10 kilos of rice.

The program is part of the Marcos administration’s continuing effort to support transport workers grappling with rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the distribution is more than just food assistance.

“This is more than a food program. It’s a promise being fulfilled --a fight against hunger that meets people where they are,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the rollout amid growing unrest in the transport sector.

The “Handog ng Pangulo” initiative was carried out in coordination with the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the LTFRB to identify qualified beneficiaries.

Originally intended for senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and indigent households, the ?20 Rice Program has since expanded to cover minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and will soon include public school teachers and DepEd non-teaching staff.

Some beneficiaries were thankful for the assistance, saying the program provides much needed relief to help stretch their families’ daily budgets.  — (FREEMAN)