About 37,500 families across Ilocos Norte are benefiting from the third cycle of the government’s rice distribution program, providing much-needed food assistance to households and vulnerable sectors in the province.

Rochelle Gajes, acting provincial social welfare and development officer in Ilocos Norte, confirmed this on Wednesday, saying the latest round of distribution underscores the government’s continuing effort to help ease the burden of food expenses and provide direct assistance to families amid rising living costs.

Led by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, the third cycle of rice distribution started last week, reaching out to target vulnerable families in the southern part of the province.

“Nasa third cycle na po tayo ng rice distribution. Galing po sa ating mahal na Pangulo na si Bongbong Marcos. Ang palagi po niyang sinasabi, bawat mamamayan makikinabang at kayo po yan (We are now on the third cycle of the rice distribution. This is from our beloved President Bongbong Marcos. He always says that everyone should benefit, which means you),” the governor said during the food distribution to indigent individuals and families in the municipalities of San Nicolas, Batac City, Paoay, Badoc, and Pinili.

For Corazon Cabaloan of Barangay 60-A in this city, rice is a daily necessity.

“The rice distribution program brings relief to my family as food prices keep on rising,” she said in an interview, adding that the food assistance gives her a breather to make ends meet.

Rather than being a one-time intervention, the government’s successive rounds of food distribution provide sustained assistance to families who continue to face financial challenges. (PNA)