President Marcos emphasized the support that will be provided to the farmers and to rice retailers especially those who are affected with the increase of the prices of rice. 

“Kapag talaga nagawa natin ang cost of production binaba natin, ay bababa rin ang presyo ng bigas. Pag naging mas normal na ang sitwasyon, malaki ang pag-asa natin na ibababa natin ang presyo ng bigas,” President Marcos said during the media interview in the distribution of rice in Zamboanga City. 

(If we can lower the cost of production, the price of rice will also decrease. If the situation turns out to be normal again, there will be a big possibility that we can lower the price of rice.)

The sacks of rice that were distributed are from the 42,190 sacks of forfeited smuggled rice by the Bureau of Customs Port of Zamboanga recently in a warehouse in the city. This was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and will equally be distributed to the beneficiaries in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

Personnel from the National Food Authority also conducted thorough examination of the rice grains to ensure it is fit for human consumption and of good quality prior to the distribution.

The rice distribution is intended to suffice the needs of indigent families and address the increasing price of rice in the market. The remaining stocks of rice will also be equally distributed in other neighboring provinces in the coming days. (RVC/AB/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)