Vulnerable families in Tondo, Manila received rice assistance on Tuesday as part of the second day of the “Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya” initiative led by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, aimed at providing immediate relief to communities facing daily economic pressures.
Held at Masinop Street, District 1, the activity distributed five kilos of rice to 500 beneficiaries, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents identified by the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW).
In her message to beneficiaries, the First Lady underscored the importance of ensuring food security at the household level, noting that even small forms of assistance can help ease the burden of families struggling with rising costs.
“Bilang isang ina, mahalaga sa atin ‘yung may pagkain sa table. Even if we cannot eradicate poverty, at least we hope that this little thing will help you in the days to come,” she said.
MDSW Director Jay Dela Fuente said the distribution reflects ongoing efforts to deliver basic support directly to communities, stressing that rice remains a critical need for many Filipino households.
He noted that the presence of the First Lady during the distribution highlights the administration’s push for visible and direct engagement with communities in need.
“Ang importanteng pagkain ang bigas. Kasi kahit walang ulam, basta may bigas ka, makakaraos ka,” he said, describing the initiative as a meaningful form of assistance for families affected by high food prices.
The local social welfare office said the program will continue in other parts of the city, with rice distribution scheduled next for families in Pampanga Street, Sta. Cruz, District 3 on June 25.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the aid, saying it provided immediate relief amid rising household expenses.
A senior citizen from the area said the assistance would help sustain her large household, while another beneficiary, a father of a child with disability, said the support would ease daily financial strain and help supplement family needs.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to extend basic social assistance to vulnerable sectors across Metro Manila, particularly those most affected by economic pressures and rising commodity prices.