CALASIAO, Pangasinan — A total of 4,308 individuals in Pangasinan were provided with 20 kilograms of rice each on Monday, October 5, as part of the national government’s “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” (BBM) initiative.
The relief distribution, led by Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos alongside Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Facundo Palafox IV, took place at the Calasiao Sports Complex. The effort represents the second wave of assistance funded through the Local Government Support Fund, supported by an allocation of approximately ₱11 million.
According to local officials, nearly 90 percent of the province’s barangays have gained coverage under the distribution initiative.
In addition to the rice aid in Calasiao, another leg of the BBM assistance program took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Convention Center in Lingayen, benefiting Persons with Disabilities among other sector recipients.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for extending crucial aid to the province, particularly to communities recovering from recent severe flooding.
Guico commended local government units for expediting the implementation of national aid efforts.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Pangulong Marcos dahil sa pag-empower sa LGU. Marami na sa national programs ang direkta nang ibinababa sa mga tao, katulad po nito, at napapabilis ang proseso,” Guico said.
Calasiao Mayor Patrick Caramat similarly conveyed his appreciation to the President, noting that the relief goods will offer immediate support to residents affected by the high water levels.