Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste on Tuesday, April 14, turned over 4,000 sacks of rice to the City of Manila as a gesture of gratitude for the city’s hospitality toward Batangas farmers who have been camping at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, for over a week.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Metro Manila
Mayor Isko receives 4,000 rice sacks from Cong. Leviste for hosting farmers' camp in Manila
Philippines
Metro Manila
Mayor Isko receives 4,000 rice sacks from Cong. Leviste for hosting farmers' camp in Manila
Mayor Isko receives 4,000 rice sacks from Cong. Leviste for hosting farmers' camp in Manila
Published Apr 14, 2026 04:24 pm
First photo-Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste turns over sacks of rice to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso during a ceremony at Kartilya ng Katipunan on April 14. (Photos courtesy of Diann Calucin)Second photo-Farmers from Batangas continue their protest camp at Liwasang Bonifacio, calling for the scrapping of value-added and excise taxes on fuel amid rising costs. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Collegian
The turnover ceremony was held at Kartilya ng Katipunan, where each sack containing 25 kilos of rice was formally handed to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and city officials.
The farmers have set up a temporary camp at the historic site as part of their call to scrap value-added tax and excise tax on fuel, highlighting long-standing grievances over rising costs and mounting economic pressures.
Leviste expressed his appreciation to the city government for accommodating the farmers, saying the assistance was a way of giving back for Manila’s hospitality. “Bilang pasasalamat dahil sila ang nagho-host sa ating mga farmers mula sa Batangas. Ang ating mga constituents ay nasa one week na ng kanilang stay dito sa Liwasang Bonifacio at hindi pa ito sapat para magpasalamat kami sa hospitality ng mga Manileño (As a gesture of gratitude because they are hosting our farmers from Batangas. Our constituents have been staying here at Liwasang Bonifacio for one week, and this is still not enough for us to fully thank the hospitality of the Manileños)," he said.
In response, Domagoso thanked the Batangas lawmaker and assured that the aid would be used properly and efficiently.
“Well, on behalf of the people of Manila, Vice Mayor and I are grateful to you. Make use of it properly and efficiently. Thank you,” Domagoso said.
Leviste said Manila’s decision to allow the group to stage a peaceful camp-out reflected its openness to dialogue and respect for civic space, prompting the donation.
While the turnover underscored coordination between local and national leaders, it also brought attention to the broader concerns raised by the farmers at the center of the protest.
The rice donation is expected to augment the city government’s ongoing assistance programs for vulnerable communities.