Legazpi:<Text>

The city government plans to allocate PHP64 million Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) from the national government for rice assistance to indigent residents and solar street light projects in remote barangays, Mayor Hisham Ismail announced Wednesday. Ismail said the fund will be divided equally between social services and infrastructure.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mayor expressed gratitude to the President for the allocation, stating that PHP32 million will be dedicated to the rice program for the indigent and needy residents of Legazpi. The remaining PHP32 million will focus on infrastructure projects, prioritizing the installation of solar-powered street lights in northern and southern barangays, particularly in far-flung areas.

Ismail highlighted the importance of addressing the lack of lighting in some southern barangays. "There is a menu for hard projects, but we are looking at street lights, specifically solar street lig hts, especially in remote barangays. If you go to some southern barangays, you will notice that some areas are still dark," he said.

The mayor assured the public that the funds have not yet been received, but once they are, proper procurement procedures will be followed. "All of these will go through procurement. Once it passes through bidding, that means it went through the proper process," he added.

Residents have expressed hope for the proper and direct distribution of the aid. Norma Valladolid, a 63-year-old sidewalk vendor from Taysan Resettlement, stated that the fund would significantly assist poor families if implemented correctly. "Of course, we are happy if it pushes through because it will help poor people like us. It is a big help," she remarked.

Wilson Santillan, a 61-year-old padyak driver and resident of Taysan Resettlement, emphasized the potential impact on livelihoods and education. "For livelihood and education, so that those who want to finish their studies can improve their lives. For livelihood, those without jobs can find work and receive support. It will lessen the bystander because they will have jobs," he explained.

Santillan also appealed for the proper handling of the fund, expressing gratitude towards the President and emphasizing the need for fair distribution to those in need. The LGSF is a financial assistance program sourced from the national government to support priority projects and programs of local government units.