1,000 4Ps Beneficiaries in Receive Rice Aid and Cash Grants from (PBSP)

1,000 4Ps beneficiaries in Antique receive rice aid and cash grants from PBSP.

 

Approximately 1,000 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Antique province received rice assistance and livelihood grants during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to Panay Island on Friday, October 6. President Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of 25-kilo sacks of rice to each 4Ps beneficiary at the Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. President Marcos conveyed that the primary purpose of their visit was to provide rice to the 4Ps beneficiaries.

In addition to the 4Ps beneficiaries, the President also provided rice and financial assistance to families impacted by the African Swine Fever (ASF) and those affected by the recent Typhoon 'Goring.' In a brief address, the President emphasized that his administration's foremost priority is ensuring food security and establishing an efficient supply chain, addressing challenges such as rice hoarding and smuggling, which hinder the availability of rice and other agricultural products.

The President highlighted that the rice being distributed on this occasion originated from rice seizures made by the Bureau of Customs.

 

(You are aware that the rice being distributed today was confiscated from rice smuggling by the Bureau of Customs)

So far, the DSWD has distributed a total of 20,665 25-kilo bags of rice to various locations across the country. This distribution included places like Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City, Binirayan Gymnasium in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and Augusto B. Legaspi Memorial Sports Complex in Kalibo, Aklan, on Friday, October 6. Additionally, President Marcos led the rice distribution at the San Andres Sports Complex in San Andres, Manila, on September 26; Dapa Municipal Gymnasium in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, and the Provincial Capitol of San Jose, Dinagat Islands, on September 29; and Taguig City University Gymnasium in Metro Manila on October 4.

 

Currently, there are still over 23,000 bags of Jasmine rice awaiting distribution, as per the latest count.

A total of 95 members also received seed capital funding amounting to Php 1.4 million to support their chosen livelihood endeavors, which include cattle raising, bakery operations, rice-based enterprises, and fishing supplies.

 

"The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the small businesses identified by each Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association," emphasized the President.

In addition to the DSWD's efforts, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its affiliated agencies, such as the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), extended assistance to their respective beneficiaries.

 

Furthermore, government support from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) contributed to providing various forms of assistance to the community.

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