Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that hunger can be eradicated in the country within his term, as he led the rollout of a rice distribution program in the capital.
Speaking during the “Biyayang Bigas para sa Maynila” program at SM City Manila on Thursday, April 16, Marcos said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to ensure that basic food needs are met, especially among vulnerable sectors.
“Sabi ko, sana pagbaba ko bilang Pangulo ay masasabi kong wala nang gutom na Pilipino. Kaya po aming ginagawa, patuloy na ginagawa ito,” the president said.
[Translation: I said that when I step down as president, I hope I can say that no Filipino is hungry. That is why we continue to do this.]
“Kaya ito po ang simula. Kagaya ng sabi ko, nauna ang Maynila. Ngunit patuloy po ito at saka buong bansa ay mabibigyan natin,” he added.
[Translation: This is just the beginning. Manila came first, but this will continue and we will bring this to the whole country.]
Marcos acknowledged that the program is being implemented at a time of global uncertainty, particularly due to tensions in the Middle East, which have driven up fuel prices and, in turn, increased the cost of basic goods such as food.
“Alam naman natin ‘pag tumaas ang presyo ng langis, sabay-sabay, lalong-lalo na ang pagkain,” Marcos said.
[Translation: We know that when oil prices rise, everything follows, especially food.]
“Kaya ‘yun ang binabantayan namin nang mabuti na kahit papaano na ‘yung hindi gaanong kabigat ang magiging epekto sa taong-bayan,” he added.
[Translation: That is what we are closely watching so the burden on the public will not be too heavy.]
The “Biyayang Bigas” program, implemented in partnership with the Manila city government, provides subsidized rice to workers and low-income families as part of efforts to ease the impact of rising food costs.
Under the initiative, around 80,000 beneficiaries in Manila will receive 10 kilograms of rice six times a year. The program is funded through ₱286 million released by the Office of the President under the Financial Assistance to Local Government Units program.
Officials said the initiative is designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to stabilize access to food for households most affected by inflation.
Marcos said the government is looking to expand the program nationwide.The national government has so far allocated nearly ₱15 billion for the initiative.
