571,000 families in Manila set to receive rice subsidy next week, says Isko

At least 571,000 families will receive rice subsidies from the Manila City government next week amid the COVID-19 crisis.

In a statement, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced that 50,000 sacks for rice, which is equivalent to 2.5 million kilos of rice, are ready for distribution to the families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

"We are trying to stock up on basic goods, particularly rice, so we entered into a contract with [the] National Food Authority about two weeks ago. This is going to be delivered by next week in their respective barangays,” Moreno said during the inspection of sacks at Pritil Market.

The Manila Mayor said at least three kilograms of rice will be given to each family.

“If we have 571,000 families, at three kilos, that’s more or less 1.5 to 1.8 million kilos. So may buffer pa kami,” Moreno said.

“But it is better na [may] sobra para maakap namin hangga’t maaari ang lahat,” he added.

As of April 10, the Manila city government has distributed food packs to at least 235,000 families.

In addition, the Manila city government has also earmarked a P571-million budget for the City Amelioration Crisis Assistance Fund (CACAF)  which grants P1,000 cash aid to each of 500,000 families residing in the city’s 896 barangays. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News