Rice distribution program expanded in Eastern Visayas

PALO, LEYTE — Nearly 60,000 bags of rice have been allotted for the expanded implementation of the food-for-school program that will benefit elementary pupils in flood-ravaged Eastern Samar and other provinces of Eastern Visayas. Arnaldo Borjal, National Food Authority (NFA) provincial manager for Eastern Samar, said a total of 160,374 pupils in the region have been receiving a daily ration of one kilo of rice since the second week of March. The distribution will last 35 days. Half of the beneficiaries are from Eastern Samar. The number of beneficiaries in Eastern Samar increased to 83,472 this month from 9,208 in February because the program was expanded to cover all elementary pupils. The program previously covered only children in pre-elementary and Grade I. Throughout the region, the number of beneficiaries increased to 160,374 this month from 51,045 last month. A report by the NFA showed that a total of 58,430 bags of rice were allotted for the second 35 days of implementation. Only 6,466 bags were allocated last month. "We can assure school pupils that NFA rice will continue to be distributed in schools in sufficient quantities especially in calamity-stricken areas. Our office has reserve stocks for schools. This is on the top of our priority for grain allocation along with Tindahan Natin Outlets," Mr. Borjal told BusinessWorld. The program is a food subsidy package for schoolchildren who belong to poor families. It provides a daily ration of one kilo of rice to identified families through the child. As long as the child goes to school or a day care center, the family is assured of rice on its table every school day. Mr. Borjal assured that there is enough government grain other than that allocated for the program in Eastern Samar to avert a projected food shortage that might result from the recent flooding of rice fields in the province. This year NFA expects to receive 370,000 bags from outside the region. As of this month, the total volume of stocks was 51,000 bags, which would last until the first week of April. Around 7,000 bags of rice were already delivered to some families through the Philippine National Red Cross, Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units. Other than relief activities, Mr. Borjal assured that government rice is being widely distributed in Eastern Samar through accredited stores, Tindahan Natin outlets and Bigasan ni Gloria sa Palengke. — Sarwell Q. Meniano, BusinessWorld