TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — The national government’s “Bigay Bigas Para sa Masa” program officially arrived in the province this August, putting 10 kilograms of rice into the hands of 101,315 low-income families at the RDR Gymnasium. The launch turned a simple grain into a powerful message of care.
A Province-Wide Embrace
Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. led the distribution, joined by Governor Edwin Jubahib, Vice Governor Clarice Jubahib, and MinDA Chairman Leo Tereso Magno. The initial ₱77‑million allocation from the Local Government Support Fund covered the first wave of aid, ensuring that every qualified household received a sack. The selection of beneficiaries was done at the barangay level to reach those most vulnerable to rising food prices.
Beyond the rice, each of the province’s barangays received a ₱200,000 grant under the Socio‑Civic Projects Fund. This direct cash assistance empowers local councils to fund small but urgent community needs, from repairing day‑care centers to purchasing medicine. The dual approach addresses both immediate hunger and the long‑term development that helps communities stand on their own.
A Partnership That Reaches Every Doorstep
Governor Jubahib emphasized that the aid is more than just a commodity; it is a sign that the government listens. He noted that the selection process involved barangay captains who know their constituents personally, ensuring that the rice lands in the right hands. Vice Governor Clarice Jubahib added that each sack carries the hope that no family will go to bed hungry.
The distribution was a massive logistical operation, with trucks fanning out to drop‑off points across the province. Volunteers and local officials worked side‑by‑side, helping elderly recipients carry their sacks and checking lists. The sight of neighbors helping neighbors reinforced the sense of bayanihan that defines rural communities.
More Than Rice: Investing in Communities
The Socio‑Civic Projects Fund grants give barangays the flexibility to tackle their unique challenges. One barangay might use the money to install solar street lights for safety, while another could fund a feeding program for malnourished children. This localized decision‑making ensures that the assistance is as practical as it is generous.
Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code, encourages such direct funding to strengthen grassroots governance. By channeling resources straight to barangays, the program cuts red tape and speeds up the delivery of essential services. For many small villages, the ₱200,000 grant represents a significant boost to their annual budget.
A Promise of Continued Support
The initial distribution is just the first phase. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved an additional ₱40 million in LGSF funds, bringing the total to ₱117 million for upcoming second and third phases. This sustained commitment signals that the aid is not a one‑off event but a continuing effort to cushion families against economic shocks.
Secretary Magno stressed that the “Rice for All” program works hand‑in‑hand with farmer support initiatives to keep rice affordable and accessible. By linking direct consumer assistance with agricultural productivity, the government aims to build a more resilient food system. For the 101,315 families who lined up at the gymnasium, the program has already delivered more than rice—it has delivered relief.
