Public teachers have yet to receive rice assistance

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly two years since President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. authorized a one-time rice assistance to government employees, public school teachers have yet to receive them, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) said on Tuesday.

TDC chairman Benjo Basas said he wrote to National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Larry Lacson informing him that many public school teachers have not received their rice assistance under Marcos’ 2022 Administrative Order 2.

While some teachers have reported they received their share, they complained about how they received rotten or foul-smelling grains that were unfit for consumption.

“No matter how small it may seem, we are grateful that the government provided its employees with this one-time rice assistance. However, nearly two years have passed since the announcement, and many employees, especially public school teachers, are still waiting for their rice subsidy,” Basas wrote in the letter dated Nov. 15.

“While some teachers received theirs in June 2023, there were widespread complaints about the poor quality of the rice, with reports of rotten, bukbok (weevil)-infested, or foul-smelling grains unfit for consumption,” he added.

In December 2022, Marcos approved the distribution of 25 kilograms of rice to government personnel to ease the burden of rising food costs and to help local farmers.

NFA was tasked with implementing the order and establishing an efficient mechanism for the distribution of rice assistance.

“Still, some teachers, even in Metro Manila, have yet to receive any rice assistance at all.

This issue was brought to the attention of the former NFA Administrator, but despite previous requests, it remains unresolved. We are hopeful that under your leadership, the NFA will now make this long-standing concern a priority,” Basas told Lacson.

“In light of this situation, we respectfully request any updates or guidance from your office regarding the release of the rice subsidy. We would also appreciate an opportunity to discuss this matter further to ensure our concerns are taken into account and to prevent similar delays in the future. We are willing to meet at your office at any time that is convenient for you,” he added. — (FREEMAN)