Local government units across the Philippines are set to distribute free rice to residents as fuel prices continue to climb, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The initiative will be funded through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), with the rollout expected to begin within weeks as part of efforts to ease the financial strain on Filipino households.
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Faster Aid Through Local Governments
The program is designed to provide quicker assistance at the community level, with funds directly released to LGUs so they can manage procurement and distribution. The move comes amid global pressures affecting fuel costs, which have had a ripple effect on daily expenses and essential goods.
“So we used the LGSF, the Local Government Support Fund and it will be directly released to our local governments so that they themselves can provide assistance faster,” Marcos explained during a press briefing.
Under the plan, LGUs are required to allocate at least 50 percent of their LGSF allocation to purchase rice for distribution. However, they are also given the flexibility to use up to 100 percent of the fund for the same purpose if needed. This approach allows local leaders to adjust based on the needs of their communities while ensuring that food assistance remains a priority.
“They can use 100 percent of the fund for the rice distribution but it is up to them. But it is necessary that at least 50 percent of the funds they receive must be used to purchase and distribute rice,” the President clarified.
In a separate address, Marcos emphasized that the distribution of free rice will begin soon, noting that the program had already been prepared even before recent geopolitical tensions escalated.
“Magsisimula na rin na magbigay ang ating mga LGU ng libreng bigas. Ito ay nagsimula –‘yung LGSF program ito – nagsimula ito bago pa nagkagiyera. Pero iro-roll out ito within the next week or two,” he said.
Price Stability Amid Global Pressures
Alongside the rice distribution plan, the administration assured the public that there will be no immediate spike in the prices of basic goods despite rising global fuel costs. According to the President, manufacturers have committed to maintaining current prices for now, as existing inventories were acquired before tensions in the Middle East intensified.
“Habang nandiyan ang kanilang imbentaryo, nangako sila na hindi nila itataas ang presyo ng mga primary commodities,” Marcos noted.
The LGSF, which typically funds priority local projects such as infrastructure and healthcare, is being leveraged to respond quickly to economic pressures affecting ordinary citizens. By placing implementation in the hands of LGUs, the government aims to ensure faster and more targeted assistance.
For many Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable communities, the free rice initiative could help ease the burden of rising living costs, providing immediate relief while broader economic challenges continue to unfold.
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