ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte officially launched a large-scale rice distribution program on Wednesday, April 29, aimed at providing immediate relief to thousands of residents grappling with the surge in essential commodity prices.
The initiative specifically targets the most vulnerable sectors across the province to ensure food security amid fluctuating market costs.
Funded through the national government’s Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU) program, a total of 8,749 low-income families were identified as beneficiaries. This group includes solo parents, tricycle drivers, construction workers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
Each recipient was allocated 10 kilos of rice, with distribution centers established in the cities of Laoag and Batac, as well as the municipality of Sarrat.
During a ceremonial distribution held at the Ilocos Norte Trading Center in Batac City, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos noted that the timing of the program is critical, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to exert upward pressure on global fuel and food prices.|
