Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. made his first public appearance on Friday, joining First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in distributing free rice to 3,100 beneficiaries under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya initiative.
The distribution, held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium, formed part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s continuing assistance program for vulnerable sectors.
Marcos appointed Abalos as Cabinet Secretary on Wednesday, tasking the former Interior and Local Government secretary to strengthen coordination among executive departments, facilitate discussions on key government policies and programs, and help ensure the effective implementation of the administration’s priorities nationwide.
During the event, Abalos said the food assistance program reflects the government’s commitment to bringing services directly to communities.
“Itong bigas na ito ay talagang pinag-usapan po ito sa gabinete, na ’yung pong mga pera na kailangang ibaba para maramdaman, talagang pinababa ng ating Pangulo,” Abalos said.
He stressed that the rice distribution is not limited to Mandaluyong and is also being carried out in provinces and communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Abalos said Marcos gave him a broader mandate beyond coordinating Cabinet meetings, including visiting communities, listening to public concerns, and making sure government programs are properly delivered across the country.
“Mas lalong pag-igtingin natin, Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao, bumaba ka. Lahat ng serbisyo ng Pilipinas, iparamdam natin sa ultimong kasuluk-sulukan dito,” he said.
He added that his role includes serving as the President’s representative on the ground, coordinating with government agencies, and helping address concerns raised by local communities.
“So yun po ang magiging trabaho ko: makikinig sa problema ninyo. Lahat ng problema, susubukang ayusin. Meron tayong Pangulong nakikinig, at higit sa lahat, meron tayong Pangulong umaaksyon,” Abalos said.
His remarks echoed an earlier statement from the Presidential Communications Office that Marcos wanted the Cabinet Secretary to conduct nationwide visits to ensure that government services are felt by Filipinos and to improve coordination among Cabinet officials in responding to public concerns.
The Cabinet serves as the President’s principal advisory body and is responsible for policy coordination, information sharing, and resolving interagency concerns in support of the administration’s priority programs.