The city agriculture office of Las Piñas, in response to the rising prices of rice in the country, has teamed up with the City Social Welfare and Development Office in the distribution of financial aid to local micro rice retailers, traders, and vendors on Tuesday.

A total of P15,000 in cash assistance was handed out to each of the 139 qualified beneficiaries during a payout at the Las Piñas Cafe in Barangay Pamplona Tres.

The event was graced by Mayor Imelda Aguilar, who emphasized the local government's commitment to supporting small-scale businesses crucial to the city's food security and praised the joint initiative as a significant move to enhance the economic resilience of Las Piñas.

As the price of rice continues to surge across the nation, the livelihoods of those involved in its trade are under severe strain and the cash assistance aims to provide immediate relief to these small businesses, empowering them to continue their operations and contribute to stabilizing the rice supply in the community.

The local government though said that while the cash assistance serves as immediate relief, they still will launch longer-term strategies to support the rice trading community.

Future projects may include training programs and easier access to low-interest loans aimed at sustainable business growth.

Aguilar said the event adds to a growing list of proactive measures taken by the City Local Government of Las Piñas to mitigate the adverse effects of economic pressures on its citizens.

She said as the city continues to navigate these turbulent times, the City Agriculture Office and the City Social Welfare and Development Office remain committed to supporting the community.