Manila: The Office of the President has distributed hundreds of kilos of vegetables sourced from Benguet to various communities around the National Capital Region (NCR) at no cost. The initiative aims to support local farmers and provide food assistance to urban areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, local government units (LGUs) received these agricultural products, which were purchased by Malaca±ang during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr's visit to the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC). The visit took place on Friday, marking a significant move to link local agriculture with urban food needs.

Quezon City and Pasay City were the first to benefit from the distribution, with the goods delivered to Quezon City Hall and the Philippine School for the Blind for subsequent distribution to residents. In Pasay City, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano expressed her gratitude to President Marcos, noting that the vegetables would be directed to families identified as in need. "Muli, maraming salamat po, Pangulong Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., sa patuloy na malasakit sa ating mga kababayan," she stated, appreciating the President's continued concern for the citizens.

Additional deliveries were made to Caloocan City Hall North, Navotas Convention Center, and Barangay Potrero Hall in Malabon City. Malaca±ang also announced that other drop-off points include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) NCR in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, DSWD Walang Gutom Kitchen in Pasay City, Bureau of Corrections-New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, and Manila City Jail and Delpan Sports Complex in Manila.

This initiative is part of the national government's ongoing efforts to provide food support and assist farmers by sourcing produce directly from agricultural hubs like Benguet, thus creating a sustainable link between rural production and urban consumption.