MERIDA, LEYTE — Highlighting national and local government interventions to address rising living costs, the Municipal Government of Merida has initiated the distribution of rice assistance to qualified families across its 22 barangays. Funded through the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) under the Marcos administration's Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program, the food distribution drive aims to ease economic burdens on vulnerable households throughout the municipality.
Rollout Across Merida’s Rural and Coastal Communities
Distribution teams have already delivered rice stocks across a majority of Merida’s barangays, including Masumbang, Mahayag, Tubod, Cambalong, Can-unzo, Puertobello, San Isidro, Libjo, Mahalit, Macario, Calunasan, Mat-e, Benabaye, Calunangan, San Jose, and Lundag. Executed under the Food Assistance-Rice Distribution Project, the initiative complies directly with Department of Budget and Management-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DBM-DILG) Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026, ensuring structured, transparent allocation at the village level.
Augmenting Local Resources for Vulnerable Families
Merida Mayor Rolando Villasencio expressed gratitude for the national funding, noting that supplementary national allocations are crucial for municipal LGUs managing limited local revenues. He emphasized that the LGSF-FALGU mechanism provides vital financial flexibility during economic challenges, allowing local officials to extend immediate food relief to constituents who need it most.
Building Momentum for Long-Term Food Security in Leyte
The ongoing rice distribution forms part of broader multi-sectoral efforts across Leyte’s 4th district to strengthen social safety nets and protect rural communities against commodity price volatility. Through continued coordination between national agencies, municipal chief executives, and barangay officials, local leadership remains committed to delivering accessible public welfare programs, supporting grassroots food security, and driving inclusive community development across the province.
