Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Legarda Leviste has announced a massive, privately funded relief initiative, promising to distribute one million sacks of rice to residents across the province who have allegedly been left out of the government’s food assistance program.
In a social media post, Leviste clarified that the multi-million peso endeavor will be entirely personal and free from state funding.
He emphasized that the distribution would strictly avoid political photo opportunities or selective patronage.
“Magbibigay ako ng 1 milyong sako ng bigas para sa lahat ng pamilyang hindi pa nabibigyan ng bigas ng gobyerno sa buong Batangas,” Leviste stated.
I will give one million sacks of rice to all families who have not yet been given rice by the government throughout the whole of Batangas.
Despite the independent nature of the initiative, the lawmaker noted that his team will still coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to streamline logistics and ensure systematic drop-offs.
“Makipag-ugnayan sa inyong Mayor o barangay at iiskedyul namin ang delivery ng bigas. Dapat bawat barangay makikinabang,” Leviste added.
Coordinate with your Mayor or barangay and we will schedule the delivery of the rice. Every barangay should benefit.
The lawmaker’s massive donation comes alongside his growing criticism of the provincial government’s current relief operations, which he claimed are plagued by inconsistencies and logistical bottlenecks.
A day prior to his announcement, Leviste publicly called out top provincial leaders over a canceled distribution leg in Nasugbu, Batangas, which was originally set for May 21.
He urged officials to adhere to their highly publicized slogan, “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” (Every Barangay Will Benefit).
“Muli po akong nakikiusap: Ipamigay na ang bigas, Gov. Vilma at Ralph Recto,” he wrote.
I am appealing once again: Distribute the rice already, Gov. Vilma and Ralph Recto.
Leviste further raised questions regarding the management and allocation of the provincial funds earmarked for the rice program, citing mounting grievances from various barangay leaders.
Provincial authorities and the offices of Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto have yet to issue an official statement addressing Leviste’s allegations or his independent relief rollout.