FIRST lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Friday led the distribution of rice aid to 3,100 vulnerable-sector beneficiaries in Mandaluyong City under her “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” socio-civic initiative.
Funded through the Local Government Support Fund, the 10 kilos per family initiative benefited residents from all 27 barangay (villages) of the city, including 2,000 senior citizens, 1,000 members of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations and Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA), and 100 children with disabilities.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the first lady conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message of gratitude and affection for the people of Mandaluyong while acknowledging the continuing economic challenges faced by many Filipino families.
She recalled how the support Mandaluyong residents showed during a difficult period in the President’s political career left a lasting impression on their family.
“I remember when my husband ran for vice president and lost. When we visited Cebu, everyone from Mandaluyong stood up and applauded. That is why we were moved to tears. That’s why we love Mandaluyong,” she said.
Recognizing that the rice assistance is only a modest contribution, the first lady expressed hope that it would help ease beneficiaries’ burdens even for a few days.
“I know it’s a really difficult time right now. We cannot eradicate poverty 100 percent. But, I hope this little rice... hopefully it will make things easier for the next couple of days,” she said.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos thanked Marcos and the first lady for once again including the city in the administration’s rice distribution program.
The mayor also expressed the city’s gratitude to the first lady for her continued concern for Mandaluyong residents.
As in previous distribution activities under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya initiative, beneficiaries also had the chance to win raffle prizes, including additional sacks of rice, rice cookers, digital television boxes, and television sets, courtesy of the first lady.
