MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged local government units (LGUs) to ensure that state assistance is strictly directed toward the nation’s poorest and most vulnerable sectors as the country braces for the severe impacts of a super El Niño.
During a recent Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that local authorities must prioritize citizens living in extreme hardship.
”Ang request lang natin sa mga LGUs kung maaari ang benepisyaryo ay iyong talagang deserving na mabigyan ng ganito klaseng tulong, iyong nasa laylayan talaga ng lipunan,” Castro stated.
She also expressed confidence in the integrity of local leaders during the distribution process, adding, “So, naniniwala naman kami na walang kikilingan, walang kakampihan ang sinumang lokal na opisyal, kung hindi kung sino iyong nangangailangan doon dapat maibigay iyong sapat na tulong.”
The administration is actively formulating measures to mitigate hunger risks as the weather phenomenon is projected to persist until March. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that national inventories for vital food commodities—such as rice, chicken, and pork—remain stable and secure.
”So, sa ngayon ang suplay ay tama, kumbaga, mayroon pa tayong supply na hindi dapat nating katakutan na kukulangin tayo,” Castro noted.
Beyond standard relief operations, the national government continues to roll out additional safety nets, including the ongoing distribution of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).
”So, hindi lamang iyan ang intervention, tandaan natin mayroon din pong LGSF na pinamimigay ng libreng bigas sa mga kababayan natin nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” Castro concluded.