In Legazpi City, Governor Noel Rosal announced that ₱137 million has been approved for the province’s rice assistance program, covering half of Albay’s ₱274 million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocation from the national government.
The fund will support the implementation of the “Bigay Bigas sa Masa” initiative, which aims to provide food assistance to indigent families across the province.
Under the program, beneficiary households will receive 10 kilograms of rice every other month, totaling 60 kilograms annually.
Rosal said the provincial government, in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), will work with local municipalities to identify qualified beneficiaries and ensure proper distribution of aid.
The remaining 50 percent of the LGSF will be allocated to infrastructure projects, including road improvements, hospital upgrades, health centers, water systems, renewable energy facilities, solar streetlights, multi-purpose halls, and sports facilities.
The governor also instructed municipal leaders to prioritize the most urgent needs in their respective areas.
He added that a proposed ₱20-million budget for the Magayon Festival—previously reallocated for financial assistance to residents—is still under review to determine the most effective distribution approach, noting that broader population coverage may require additional funding.
Rosal also expressed gratitude to the national government for ongoing interventions aimed at easing the impact of rising oil prices on local communities.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
