Amid the high prices of goods in the market and with many mouths to feed, 44-year-old Alma M. Bajen of San Jose de Buenavista town struggles to keep up.

She even had to stall the education of her eldest child, who was supposed to be a college senior this academic year, due to insufficient financial resources – resources that she would rather save and spend on their food.

As a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for years now, Alma is thankful to the government for not leaving behind poor households such as theirs and for the interventions that help them get through difficult times.

Having heard news about the distribution of seized imported rice to identified 4Ps beneficiaries in Antique, Alma breathed a sigh of relief, for she will no longer have to worry about their staple for at least a week.

Little as it may seem, the 25-kilogram sack of rice will go a long way in filling the hungry stomachs of her children, whom Alma desires to finish schooling so they may have a secured future ahead of them, whatever the circumstances or no matter how long it takes.

She was even elated to learn that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was coming to her home province to lead the rice distribution, saying she appreciates him for personally delivering the aid and feels his sincerity in addressing the troubles of the poor.

On October 6, the President was in the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, and Antique to personally lead the distribution of a portion of the confiscated imported rice to the neediest 4Ps beneficiaries.

During the distribution ceremony at Binirayan Sports Complex, the President delivered a clear message that the government is committed to stopping the illegal activities of rice hoarders, smugglers, and price manipulators.

In September, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City seized over 42,000 sacks of imported rice that did not undergo the legal process of importation.

Instead of letting the forfeited rice go to waste, President Marcos ordered its turn over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to the poorest Filipino families across the country.

The Chief Executive, in one of his previous addresses, emphasized that the confiscated imported rice underwent legal proceedings prior to distribution and is safe for consumption following the right process of investigation, confiscation, and inspection.

He then sent a stern warning to rice hoarders, smugglers, and price manipulators who continue to influence rice supply and prices for the purpose of fattening their pockets and to the disadvantage of the Filipino people who suffer from their illegal activities.

President Marcos added that the government will continue to run after these perpetrators and track smuggled rice across the country to be given to those in need, noting that his administration is dedicated to eliminating syndicates involved in agri-economic sabotage.

In Antique, Alma and 999 other 4Ps beneficiaries whose level of well-being is either Survival (Level 1) or Subsistence (Level 2), based on the Social Welfare Development Indicator (SWDI), each received the rice relief.

According to Alma, life these days is extremely hard, but she firmly believes that the President hears their plight and, with the full force of the government behind him, he will be able to find means to alleviate their living conditions.

Guided by his “Bagong Pilipinas” brand of governance, the President assured that the government is working tirelessly to find ways to address current issues and concerns toward a more progressive community and a brighter future for all Filipinos.

With his second visit to the province, the people of Antique cheered the President’s warning bell against smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation of agricultural produce, particularly rice, the staple at Alma’s and the rest of the Filipinos’ dining tables.. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)