Demonstrating a firm commitment to fast-track grassroots development and make government services directly felt by every Filipino family, the Marcos Administration brought its landmark “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” initiative to Iloilo on August 25, 2026. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto personally spearheaded the high-impact visit, delivering comprehensive social welfare, substantial local government funding and long-term youth development packages across the province.
The working visit started in the municipality of Pavia, where Recto led the distribution of direct food assistance under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, providing ten kilograms of free rice to an initial 1,500 beneficiaries from various sectors.
Highlighted by sustained relief rather than single-off efforts, Recto explained, “kaya sa ilalim ng Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, ang mga pamilyang higit na nangangailangan ay binibigyan natin ng libreng sampung kilong bigas. At hindi po ito one-time, big-time. Kada dalawang buwan po ang bigayan.”
While delivering immediate food support, Recto stressed the administration’s broader long-term focus, noting, “malinaw po sa amin na hindi ayuda lamang ang sagot sa kahirapan. Ang bigas ay tulong para sa ngayon. Ang trabaho, magandang kita, at mas maraming oportunidad ang sagot para sa kinabukasan. ‘Yan po ang tinututukan ng ating Pangulo.”
Meanwhile, to ensure local leaders have the necessary resources for immediate community needs, Executive Secretary Recto oversaw the release of checks under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund. Financial assistance checks were given 43 Municipal Mayors, Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents and District Representatives. In total, the administration allocated P344.2 million for the 1,721 barangays in Iloilo Province, alongside a P36 million allocation for Iloilo City’s 180 barangays.
Addressing local executives, Recto urged strict integrity in public service, reminding them, “gamitin ang pondo kung saan tunay na kailangan. Gamitin nang tama. Gamitin nang walang bahid ng pulitika. At higit sa lahat, gamitin para sa tao ang pera ng bayan.”
Beyond immediate relief and infrastructure funding, the delegation placed youth education at the center of the regional rollout. The event gathered community stakeholders alongside 215 students attending the Barangay Scholars Orientation. Across the region, the educational initiative supports 8,605 Presidential Scholars in Iloilo Province and an additional 900 scholars in Iloilo City, reinforcing the administration’s investment in human capital.
By directly linking national policy execution with local leadership, Recto reiterated the Marcos administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering services that are “mabilis, tapat, at kapakipakinabang” and responsive to community needs, ensuring no Filipino is left behind.