NEWLY appointed Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos made his first public appearance on Friday, vowing to help ensure that government services reach communities across the country.
Abalos joined first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in distributing free rice to 3,100 beneficiaries under the “Mula sa Puso para sa Pamilya” initiative held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium.
In his remarks, Abalos said the government’s food assistance program reflected the administration’s commitment to bringing public services directly to the people.
He said the rice distribution is being carried out not only in Mandaluyong but in provinces and communities throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao as part of the administration’s nationwide efforts to assist Filipinos.
“This rice distribution was indeed discussed in the Cabinet. The president ensured that the necessary funds were released so that it would reach the people,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Abalos as Cabinet secretary on Wednesday, tasking the former interior and local government secretary with strengthening coordination among executive departments, facilitating discussions on key government policies and programs, and helping ensure the effective implementation of the president’s priorities nationwide.
Abalos said the president has given him a broader mandate beyond coordinating Cabinet meetings by tasking him to visit communities, listen to public concerns, and ensure that government programs are effectively delivered across the country.
“Let us intensify our efforts across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — let us reach the grassroots. Let us ensure that every government service is felt in even the most remote corners of the country,” he said.
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.
He also assured beneficiaries that the Marcos administration remained committed to responsive governance and accessible public service.
“So that is what my job will be: listening to your problems. We will try to resolve every single one of them. We have a president who listens, and above all, we have a president who takes action,” he added.
Malacañang earlier said that Marcos wants the Cabinet secretary to make nationwide rounds to ensure government services are felt by every Filipino and to strengthen coordination among Cabinet members in addressing public concerns.
