MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday used a high-visibility rice distribution drive in Manila not only to launch a P286-million food assistance program for 80,000 families but also to directly dispel lingering speculation about his health — dramatically lifting a sack of rice before the public and media.
Leading the rollout of the “Biyayang Bigas Para sa Maynila” program, Marcos personally handed out rice to beneficiaries and was seen hoisting a sack over his shoulder and lifting it like a dumbbell, a gesture widely interpreted as a pointed response to rumors about his physical condition.
“Sinong may sakit?” the Chief Executive said.
The program aims to provide immediate food assistance to around 80,000 families in Manila, particularly those in the transport and service sectors affected by rising costs.
Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive 10 kilograms of rice up to six times a year.
“Ang programang ito ay magbibigay nitong 10 kilo na bigas, anim na beses sa isang taon. At patuloy lang ating binibigay. Binigay na po natin sa ating mga local government para naman ay mabilis,” he said.
Marcos added that similar programs would be implemented in other parts of the country.
The effort is funded by P286 million released by the Office of the President to the Manila city government through the Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU).
Local agencies are overseeing distribution, including the Department of Environmental Public Services for storage and transport, and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau for distribution to transport groups. The Bureau of Permits is assisting in identifying other beneficiaries./PN
