A government-led rice subsidy program supported by the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) is being expanded across Metro Manila to strengthen food assistance for low-income households.
The initiative, associated with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, is being implemented under the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” program in coordination with local government units.
The LGSF serves as a national funding mechanism that provides financial assistance to LGUs for priority social welfare programs, including food security initiatives.
Officials said the program allows the distribution of rice assistance to qualified families through coordinated national and local government systems, with funding released via the Office of the President.
Under the 2026 national budget, the LGSF carries multi-billion peso allocations for local government support, including components for social protection and food assistance.
The program also integrates provisions of Republic Act No. 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act, which allows government agencies to directly procure agricultural products from local farmers and cooperatives.
By linking procurement with farmer groups, the initiative is designed to reduce supply chain layers while supporting domestic agriculture.
Local government units in Metro Manila are expected to continue implementing the phased rollout in the coming months.