THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday distributed 3,000 sacks of 25-kilo rice to indigent families in Bulacan as part of ongoing government efforts to ensure sufficient food supply among poor households.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of 1,000 sacks of rice each in Calumpit, Paombong, and Obando. The staple grains were part of the more than 42,000 sacks of smuggled premium rice that was seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Zamboanga City and later donated to the DSWD for distribution to poor families.
Gatchalian said the government has intensified its efforts to identify hoarders and smugglers and would continue to do so until they stop their illegal activities and their smuggled goods are confiscated and distributed to household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
“Patuloy na hahanapin itong mga hoarders na ito at kukunin ang mga bigas na kanilang hino-hoard at ibibigay sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries (These hoarders will be sought after, and the rice they are hoarding will be taken and given to our 4Ps beneficiaries),” he said.
Gatchalian also reassured the public that there is enough rice supply in the country, which he said is now more “affordable and accessible to everyone.”
To date, the DSWD has distributed 23,665 bags of rice to various parts of the country, such as in Roxas City, San Jose de Buenavista in Antique, Kalibo in Aklan, Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, General Trias in Cavite, Iriga City in Camarines Sur, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and the cities of Taguig and Manila in the National Capital Region.
The Marcos administration will continue to go around the country in the coming days to finish the distribution of rice to the needy and vulnerable sectors.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr on Monday urged local government officials to support President Marcos Jr’s Executive Order 41 that suspended the collection of pass-through fees on vehicles transporting goods.
Abalos made the call during a meeting with officials of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the Department of Interior and Local Government said in a statement yesterday.
EO 41, signed by the President on September 25, prohibits local government units (LGUs) from collecting toll fees and charges from all vehicles transporting goods or merchandise which pass through national roads and other thoroughfares not constructed or funded by them.
Pass-through fees range from P875 to P2,500 per truck, which is a big expense and adds to operation costs.
The EO 41 says the “unauthorized imposition of pass-through fees has a significant impact on transportation and logistics costs, which are often passed on to consumers, who ultimately bear the burden of paying for the increase in prices of goods and commodities.”
Abalos encouraged ULAP officials, headed by Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua, to pass resolutions of support for EO 41 at the LGU level.
“The DILG recognizes that LGUs are essential partners of the national government in achieving national development goals. We, therefore, urge ULAP to mobilize support for EO 41 to facilitate the seamless flow of goods and services throughout the country,” said Abalos.
“We can face all challenges, become effective and hasten the delivery of services to the people if the national government, leagues and LGUs are working together,” added Abalos.
Cua said ULAP is supporting the objectives of EO 41 and committed that the group will pass a resolution urging all LGUs to support the President’s order.
Cua said he will ask LGUs to adhere to the order and enact ordinances suspending or discontinuing the collection of the pass-through fees in their areas. — With Victor Reyes
