MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. joined First Lady Liza Marcos in distributing free rice to 3,100 beneficiaries in Mandaluyong yesterday.
The rice assistance, under the Mula sa Puso para sa Pamilya initiative, is being carried out nationwide and is part of the Office of the President’s continuing assistance program for vulnerable sectors. It is funded through the Local Government Support Fund.
Residents from the city’s 27 barangays, including 2,000 senior citizens, 1,000 members of jeepney and tricycle operators and drivers associations as well as 100 children with disabilities received 10 kilos each.
Abalos said his responsibility as Cabinet secretary is to serve as the President’s representative in the field, coordinate with government agencies and help resolve issues raised by local communities.
Former Mandaluyong mayor Ben Abalos and League of Cities of the Philippines president Francis Zamora were also present.