MALAPATAN, SARANGANI — August 18, 2026. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Sarangani, through OIC-Provincial Director Ian
Jon S. Clemente, OIC-Program Manager Sheryl D. Lantingan, and ProjectEvaluation Officer II Shabie N. Amoloria, oversaw the implementation of the FY 2026 Assistance to Indigent Individuals or Families – Food Assistance–Rice Distribution (AIIF-FRD) Project of the Province of Sarangani.
The activity marked the start of the first wave of rice distribution under the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Sarangani’s FY 2026 Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) AIIF-FRD Project, bringing much-needed food assistance closer to qualified beneficiaries across the province.
Joining the distribution were Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao, Malapatan Mayor Salway D. Sumbo, Provincial Administrator Atty Ryan Ramos, Ronda ProbinsyaDirector Engr. Ruel Quiamco, and Punong Barangays, who personally witnessed and supported the rollout of the assistance.
During the acitivity, at least 1,300 beneficiaries from 5 barangays in Malapatan received rice assistance, providing immediate support to families who continue to face economic challenges and rising household needs.
In his message, Governor Pacquiao emphasized that the assistance is part of the national government’s continuing support under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM). He underscored that the program demonstrates the national government’s commitment to extending assistance to communities through strong coordination with local government units.
The Governor also shared the efforts undertaken by his administration to secure additional support for the people of Sarangani. During his week-long visit to Manila, he and his team met with national government agencies and national leaders to seek assistance and establish partnerships for programs that would benefit Sarangan. These engagements, he said, resulted in commitments from key national officials that could further strengthen government assistance and development initiatives in the province.
Under the AIIF-FRD Project, a total of 32,354 individuals and households have been identified as beneficiaries. Each household is allocated 10 kilograms of rice per distribution round, with assistance to be provided through four distribution rounds.
The identified beneficiaries include indigent and near-poor households, vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and solo parents, minimum wage earners, and other deserving individuals and families experiencing crisis or economic difficulty, as determined by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
More than the distribution of rice, the initiative underscores the shared responsibility of the national and local governments in ensuring that essential public assistance reaches, identified beneficiaries. It also highlights the Governor’s RONDA PROBINSYA as a continuing commitment to bring vital government services closer to the people, particularly those in communities most in need, and to provide timely and responsive interventions that contribute to improving the lives and overall well-being of Sarangans.
