NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PBBM Distributes Confiscated Smuggled Rice To Needy Families In Anti-Smuggling Effort
Photo credit: BOC
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took the lead on Tuesday September 19, 2023 in distributing confiscated smuggled rice to less fortunate families in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The President also oversaw the turnover of various assistance programs to residents and local government units in the province.
President Marcos reassured the Filipino people of his administration's unwavering commitment to ending smuggling activities that are detrimentally impacting the agricultural sector in the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate food supply for the Filipino people while fortifying the agricultural system.
“Kailangan sapat ang pagkain para sa ating mga kababayan. Kasama diyan ay pinapatibay natin ang sistema ng agrikultura. Ngunit hindi lamang, yun ang nagiging problema sa agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas, ang isang napakalaking problema ay ang pag-smuggle ng bigas papasok ng Pilipinas," Marcos said.
He further explained that beyond agricultural reforms, it is essential to strengthen the enforcement of laws regarding rice supply distribution throughout the country. The President denounced smugglers who manipulate the supply chain, driving up prices and causing hardships for the people.
President Marcos revealed that he had already instructed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to pursue smugglers vigorously and dismantle their illegal operations. He commended the BOC for their recent success in seizing 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million in a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City, on September 15, 2023.
The President underlined the government's commitment to due process, noting that smugglers had been given a 15-day opportunity to present their side of the story before the confiscated items were utilized for donations through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He emphasized that the most deserving beneficiaries of this assistance are those enrolled in the 4Ps program.
"Iyon po ay patuloy nating pag-aasikaso para tignan natin na maging maganda ang patakbo ng mercado sa bigas dahil alam naman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang suplay ng bigas sa magandang presyo para sa lahat ng Pilipino," President Marcos declared, emphasizing the importance of ensuring stable rice prices for all Filipinos.
The President reassured the Filipino people that the government stands ready to assist less fortunate individuals affected by these actions.
Present during the distribution of rice were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, BOC Deputy Commissioner Vener Baquiran, Philippine Airforce Brigadier Gen. Dennis Estrella, Philippine Army Major General Antonio Nafarrete, and other officials.
In addition to the rice distribution, President Marcos led the turnover of various assistance programs, including the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project Investment for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (DA-PRDP), DA-PRDP I-REAP, DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (Hauling Vehicle), DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (Trading Capital), Assistance Certificates from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Mackerel Drift Gillnets, and PE Rope.
Furthermore, the President distributed financial assistance under the "Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantages/Displaced Workers" program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and DOLE livelihood assistance, totaling PhP120 million and PhP530,000, respectively.
President Marcos reassured the Filipino people of his administration's unwavering commitment to ending smuggling activities that are detrimentally impacting the agricultural sector in the Philippines. He emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate food supply for the Filipino people while fortifying the agricultural system.
“Kailangan sapat ang pagkain para sa ating mga kababayan. Kasama diyan ay pinapatibay natin ang sistema ng agrikultura. Ngunit hindi lamang, yun ang nagiging problema sa agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas, ang isang napakalaking problema ay ang pag-smuggle ng bigas papasok ng Pilipinas," Marcos said.
He further explained that beyond agricultural reforms, it is essential to strengthen the enforcement of laws regarding rice supply distribution throughout the country. The President denounced smugglers who manipulate the supply chain, driving up prices and causing hardships for the people.
President Marcos revealed that he had already instructed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to pursue smugglers vigorously and dismantle their illegal operations. He commended the BOC for their recent success in seizing 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million in a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City, on September 15, 2023.
The President underlined the government's commitment to due process, noting that smugglers had been given a 15-day opportunity to present their side of the story before the confiscated items were utilized for donations through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He emphasized that the most deserving beneficiaries of this assistance are those enrolled in the 4Ps program.
"Iyon po ay patuloy nating pag-aasikaso para tignan natin na maging maganda ang patakbo ng mercado sa bigas dahil alam naman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang suplay ng bigas sa magandang presyo para sa lahat ng Pilipino," President Marcos declared, emphasizing the importance of ensuring stable rice prices for all Filipinos.
The President reassured the Filipino people that the government stands ready to assist less fortunate individuals affected by these actions.
Present during the distribution of rice were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, BOC Deputy Commissioner Vener Baquiran, Philippine Airforce Brigadier Gen. Dennis Estrella, Philippine Army Major General Antonio Nafarrete, and other officials.
In addition to the rice distribution, President Marcos led the turnover of various assistance programs, including the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project Investment for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (DA-PRDP), DA-PRDP I-REAP, DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (Hauling Vehicle), DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (Trading Capital), Assistance Certificates from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Mackerel Drift Gillnets, and PE Rope.
Furthermore, the President distributed financial assistance under the "Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantages/Displaced Workers" program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and DOLE livelihood assistance, totaling PhP120 million and PhP530,000, respectively.
Sep 19, 2023
