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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider First Lady leads rice aid distribution to senior citizens in Bacolod City

First Lady leads rice aid distribution to senior citizens in Bacolod City

Published Aug 14, 2026 12:29 pm
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos leads the ceremonial rice distribution drive to senior citizens at STI-West Negros University gymnasium in Bacolod City on Friday, August 14. She was joined by city officials headed by Mayor Greg Gasataya (left), Bacolod Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez (right), and Nanay Partylist Rep. Florabel Yatco (second from left). (Glazyl Masculino)
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos leads the ceremonial rice distribution drive to senior citizens at STI-West Negros University gymnasium in Bacolod City on Friday, August 14. She was joined by city officials headed by Mayor Greg Gasataya (left), Bacolod Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez (right), and Nanay Partylist Rep. Florabel Yatco (second from left). (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY - First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the distribution of the second tranche of rice aid to thousands of senior citizens in this highly-urbanized city on Friday, August 14.
The first lady was joined by city officials led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, Bacolod Rep. and House Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez, and Nanay Partylist Rep. Florabel Yatco in the rice distribution to 2,000 beneficiaries at STI-West Negros University gymnasium here.
Each beneficiary, who is not part of the social pension program, aged 65 and above, received 10 kilos of rice.
In her message, the First Lady expressed her joy in being able to visit the city and lead the rice assistance on behalf of her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Bilang isang ina, alam ko na mahalaga ang pagkain sa bawat mesa. Konting bagay lang po ito. But I hope, it could help you in the days to come,” she said.
Gasataya thanked the President for providing the assistance directly to the beneficiaries.
“For the first time, there’s a national government program that directly goes to the people,” he said.
Gasataya said the national government is ready to assist and help the people especially in difficult times.
In a media interview on the sideline of the event, Gasataya said the city targeted 35,000 beneficiaries, with the first distribution held last July. The remaining two tranches are set in October and November.
The mayor said the announcement for the rice distribution dates will be posted by their respective barangays.
“All are in place,” he added.
For 80-year-old Leonora of Barangay Vista Alegre, she expressed her gratitude for the assistance that could help alleviate her family’s situation.
The initiative forms part of the national government’s “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” Program which aims to address the needs of Filipinos, especially the vulnerable communities.

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