CALUMPIT, Bulacan (PIA) -- About 3,000 residents from Calumpit, Obando, and Paombong towns in Bulacan each received 25-kilo rice sacks from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Recipients include members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, solo parents, and families affected by flooding.

The rice sacks were part of the smuggled rice seized by the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City in May and later donated to the DSWD for distribution to poor households. 

In his message during the distribution of the assistance in Calumpit, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s assurance that his administration will continue to provide ample, affordable, and accessible rice supply for Filipinos.

“We are seeing a rise in the prices of rice not because there is shortage in production but because there are hoarders who manipulate the situation. The President will not let that happen further, that is why the government is bent on tracking these hoarders,” he said.

He added that the national government will continue to keep a close eye on the rice situation to provide solutions to the skyrocketing prices of rice in markets.

In addition, Gatchalian underscored that the government will continue to suppress rice hoarders and illegal importers. 

“It is important for the President that every Filipino has food on their tables. You can ensure that the President will continue to give the needs of all families especially when it comes to providing food,” he stated.

He also pledged that DSWD will conduct continuous distribution to provide rice and other food assistance to the poor and most vulnerable.(CLJD/JLDC-PIA 3)