Marcos vows to provide state subsidies, more job opportunities

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed the government would continue to improve Filipinos' living conditions by providing more state subsidies, ensuring access to food, and creating more job opportunities.

In a speech during his visit to Iloilo on Thursday, Marcos touted the government’s efforts, such as organizing job fairs, making affordable food available, and extending state support to the poorest Filipinos.

“Isipin po ninyo na ang pamahalaan po ninyo ay laging nandito at nakikinig sa inyong mga hinaing, sa inyong mga pangangailangan, at gagawin po namin ang lahat upang tumulong (Please consider that your government is always here, listening to your concerns, your needs, and we will do everything we can to help),” Marcos said.

The President graced the payout of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the jobs fair in the province, where he announced that at least 2,000 jobs are currently available.

“The government assists workers through job matching and providing the necessary skills for employment,” he said.

Marcos also touted the price of rice in various Kadiwa outlets capped at P29 per kilo.

He mentioned that government efforts to reduce rice prices involve lowering the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) from P55 per kilo to P49 per kilo starting this March.

“Additionally, the government is implementing the Rice for All program,” he added.

He noted the reduction of the rice import tariff from 30 percent to 15 percent to increase the staple supply, stabilize prices, and address food security emergencies.

Marcos said residents in Iloilo City can purchase rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) for a cost of P35 per kilo “while the food security emergency” is being declared.