Palace rolls out rice, livelihood aid in Davao del Norte

DAVAO del Norte -- The national government expanded its public service delivery in Davao del Norte on Thursday, distributing financial and food aid under the Local Government Support Fund Rice Assistance and the Socio-Civic Projects Fund.

Speaking on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo said the distribution aligns with the administration's policy to bring services directly to communities.

Lagdameo quoted the President's directive: "Bring government services to the people. Do not wait for the people to come to the government."

The rice assistance aims to reduce household food expenses, while funding provided through local governments is intended to bolster community livelihoods and public infrastructure across the province.

Lagdameo stressed that the initiative extends beyond Davao del Norte, with similar distributions being carried out in provinces nationwide to ensure that "no Filipino is left behind."

He added that Marcos evaluates government programs based on their tangible effect on daily lives rather than administrative statistics, promising continued expansion of social programs under the "Bagong Pilipinas" initiative.

The event was attended by Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib, Vice Gov. Clarice Jubahib, Rep. JM Lagdameo, Rep. Oyo Uy, and Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, alongside local officials and beneficiaries.