The Cebu Provincial Government is preparing a rice assistance program to cushion the impact of persistently rising rice prices on households across the province.
The initiative will be funded with an initial P360 million, with a second tranche of the same amount already in the pipeline.
The program is expected to roll out as early as next month as part of efforts to address food affordability concerns.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces confirmed that the first tranche has been secured, while preparations are underway for the release of the remaining funds.
“Happy kaayo ta mga Cebuano ani kay this time ma roll-out na nato ang program assigned to that the P360 million plus another P360 million in the next run,” Empaces said.
The assistance forms part of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), a national government mechanism intended to help local government units respond to urgent needs and priority concerns.
Empaces said the program is timely as families continue to feel the strain of expensive basic commodities.
“Given na mahal kaayo ang bugas karon, it’s high time maka sugod na ta sa roll-out sa atong support,” he added.
The provincial government aims to reach roughly a quarter of Cebu’s total households, prioritizing those most affected by current economic pressures.
Authorities will use data from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) to ensure a fair and efficient selection process.
The database will be cross-checked with records from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to avoid duplication and ensure aid reaches intended beneficiaries.
Local government units have also been tasked to validate their respective lists to reinforce transparency and accountability.
Empaces said beneficiaries of other assistance programs, such as TUPAD, will be carefully screened to prevent overlap and expand the reach of the subsidy.
“No one should be left behind. Affected ta tanan ani nga crisis, lahi-lahi lang ang degree, pero katong naglisod na, mas maglisod pa gyud,” he said.
Each eligible household is expected to receive 10 kilograms of rice, which provincial officials consider meaningful relief given current market prices.
Part of the second tranche will also be allocated to farm-to-market road projects aimed at strengthening Cebu’s food supply chain. (SBA)
Photo by PNA
