MABALACAT CITY -- Marginalized and indigent Mabalaquenos are now assured of food assistance after the City Government here institutionalized its food aid program to ensure its continuity.
Mayor Cris Garbo made this assurance when his team distributed food packages to poor families here recently where he also vowed to provide food for his indigent constituents.
"Pagkain sa hapag kainan ng mga maralitang mamamayan ng siyudad ng Mabalacat," Garbo said.
The City Government started the distribution of food assistance packages, which consist of half sack of rice and groceries to the beneficiaries.
Maria Luisa Maglalang, social welfare officer, said the selection of beneficiaries is based on the indicators like Minimum Basic Needs (MBN) Approach and Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and the human development index, which may include their location, occupation (nature of employment and primary source base).
The project is part of the program to mitigate poverty and guarantee social protection, according to the mayor.
"Hindi ito pansamantalang solusyon. Ito ay isang tulong ng ating butihing Mayor Cris Garbo sa mga MabalaqueƱos at ang kanyang pangunahing mithiin ay ang makapaghatid ng kalinga sa lalong agarang pagkakataon," Maglalang said.
The Local Government Code states that local government units, through the local development councils, shall be responsible in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the National Anti-Poverty Action Agenda of the National Government.
Every beneficiary is encouraged to observe conditions that include attendance to short-term program of family development sessions, good citizenry orientation and the assurance that their children go to school.