Surigao city: The provincial government of Surigao del Norte has handed over 30,000 sacks of rice to the city government of Surigao for distribution among residents in 54 barangays.

According to Philippines News Agency, each sack of rice weighs 10 kilograms. Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II officially received the rice from Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers during a turnover ceremony. The rice aid was provided by the national government and delivered through the provincial government, as stated by the Surigao City Public Information Office (PIO).

Beneficiaries of this aid are residents registered under the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). The PIO noted that the city government, through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and in coordination with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, is focused on ensuring the efficient and prompt distribution of the rice. The release of the rice is scheduled for next week.

This rice assistance is in line with Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2026, issued by the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of the Interior and Local Government on February 19. The circular outlines guidelines for the release and utilization of funds for assistance to indigent individuals or families.