President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the Filipino people that the distribution of seized and forfeited rice will continue until the country is free from all smugglers and hoarders of the staple food.

In his message during the rice distribution in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, President Marcos emphasized that rice distribution may be temporary but it is one of the effects of the initiatives to stabilize the price of rice in the market.

“Kaya’t ito ay pansamantala dahil nakikita natin, talaga siyempre ang ambisyon natin na wala ng ganyan, na matapos na ‘yung ganyan, para ‘yung presyo nga naman ng bigas ay hindi ‘yung biglang umaakyat at hindi natin malaman kung saan nanggagaling,” he said.

President Marcos reiterated his commitment to ensuring that rice supply across the country remains sufficient while going after those who engage in illicit activities.

“Bilang ako’y Secretary of Department of Agriculture at hindi sapat na aayusin lang natin ‘yung sa produksyon. Kailangan natin ayusin ‘yung produksyon,” President Marcos said.

“Ngunit, sa kabilang panig naman ay kailangan din natin bantayan itong mga smuggler, itong mga hoarder dahil sinisira talaga nila ang kabuhayan ng tao, lalong lalo na ‘yung mga pinakamahihirap at pinaka-nangangailangan na tulong ng mga Pilipino,” he added.

The Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga (BOC-POZ) earlier this month forfeited 42,180 smuggled sacks of rice worth PhP42 million, which were donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to be given to identified 4Ps beneficiaries.

Some of the seized smuggled sacks of rice were already distributed to 4Ps beneficiaries in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay; San Roque, Zamboanga City; General Trias, Cavite; Iriga City, Camarines Sur; San Andres, Manila; and Dapa, Surigao del Norte. PND