ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is set to distribute locally sourced rice to vulnerable households using a ₱299 million Local Government Support Fund. The initiative directly connects local farmers with a massive social welfare program, promising a boost for both the agricultural sector and food security.
A Win-Win for Farmers and Families
The province completed a pre-negotiation conference with interested farmers' cooperatives and associations on Thursday. Geron Magbanua, acting head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, confirmed the meeting brought together potential suppliers. The province will procure rice directly from these groups through the Sagip Saka Act.
This approach eliminates middlemen, ensuring farmers receive fair market rates for their produce. It is a strategic move to give importance to local producers and keep capital within the rural economy. The program aims to provide for 83,000 vulnerable households across the province.
Direct Procurement from Local Cooperatives
The winning suppliers, registered with the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), will deliver rice directly to 43 LGUs. These LGUs include 42 municipalities and one component city. The direct delivery model reduces logistical complexities and ensures freshness.
The province will open bids on September 8. Rice distribution is expected to begin 30 days after the bidding process concludes. Each beneficiary household will receive rice in six tranches of 10 kilograms each.
Fair Allocation Across Communities
The provincial government will initially release ₱5 million worth of rice to each of the 43 LGUs. This baseline ensures that every municipality receives immediate augmentation. The remaining funds will be allocated based on population density to address high-need areas.
This is separate from the ₱5 million LGSF each LGU already received from the national government. The combined support significantly expands each municipality's capacity for relief operations. It ensures a more comprehensive safety net for residents.
Encouraging Farmer Participation
Magbanua encouraged farmers to inform their local governments about available rice stocks. This information helps FFEDIS-accredited cooperatives identify potential supplies efficiently. The province urges cooperatives to purchase farmers' rice stocks at reasonable prices.
The program prioritizes the local source, guaranteeing quality and safety standards. Beneficiaries are assured that the rice comes from Iloilo's own fields. This builds trust and reinforces the value of supporting homegrown agriculture.
A Sustainable Model for Progress
This initiative showcases a sustainable model where government social programs directly fuel the local economy. It ensures that public funds circulate within the community, creating a positive feedback loop. Farmers earn, families eat, and the province strengthens its food sovereignty.
