Fresh from his appointment as Cabinet Secretary, Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. made his first public appearance Thursday in Mandaluyong City, joining First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in distributing free rice to about 3,100 beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology gymnasium, formed part of the Office of the President’s food assistance program.

During the event, Abalos said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed him to go beyond the traditional role of coordinating Cabinet meetings by personally visiting communities, listening to local concerns and helping ensure government programs reach intended beneficiaries.

"We will step up our efforts across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. We will go directly to the communities and make sure government services reach even the most remote parts of the country,” Abalos said.

He said his role as Cabinet Secretary includes representing the President in the field, coordinating with government agencies and helping resolve concerns raised by local communities.

Abalos also said similar assistance programs are being conducted in communities across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao as part of the administration’s nationwide outreach.

His remarks echoed Malacañang’s earlier statement that Marcos wants the Cabinet secretary to spend more time on the ground to strengthen coordination among government agencies and monitor the delivery of public services.