FIRST lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led a rice distribution Tuesday among vulnerable families in Tondo, Manila, as part of the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiatives.
Araneta-Marcos was accompanied during the activity at Masinop Street by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
A total of 500 beneficiaries, including senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities (PWDs), each received five kilos of rice.
“As a mother, I know how important it is to have food on the table. Even if we cannot eradicate poverty, at least we hope that this little thing will help you in the days to come,” Araneta-Marcos said.
Manila Department of Social Welfare Director Jay Dela Fuente said the first lady’s presence and direct interaction with the beneficiaries reflected the administration’s commitment to providing tangible assistance to Filipinos.
Raquel Encarnacion, a senior citizen beneficiary, said the aid provided a much-needed relief for her big family.
Meanwhile, Michael Vergara, father of a PWD, said the rice he received would reduce their family’s daily expenses. He shared the challenges of caring for his 9-year-old differently-abled child, who frequently falls ill. He asked the government for support for his child’s medical needs.
The first lady’s rice distribution program will continue in Barangay Bagong Pag-asa in Quezon City on Wednesday, before another round of distribution in Barangay 377 in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on Thursday.
The program was launched in Barangay Doña Imelda in Quezon City on Monday, where 1,200 families received rice aid.
