75% of Kalinga rice aid distributed; Tabuk next for rollout

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Provincial Government of Kalinga has distributed 75 percent of its 2026 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) rice assistance, with all municipalities already covered and Tabuk City next for distribution.

Provincial Agriculturist Nancy Aowat said the supplier has already delivered the rice allocation requested for Tabuk City, paving the way for its distribution to identified beneficiaries.

“Regarding the rice subsidy, we have rolled out 75 percent of the total allocation for the province of Kalinga and the supplier has delivered the number of bags we requested for distribution in the city of Tabuk. So 75 percent have already been distributed to all the municipalities except for Tabuk City,” Aowat said during the October 5 Kapehan meeting at the New Conference Hall in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

The rice assistance is funded through the ₱17-million 2026 LGSF–Financial Assistance under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, implemented by the Provincial Government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

As of September 21, 18,582 iKalingas had received 18,582 bags of 10-kilogram rice, equivalent to 185.82 metric tons. The distribution represented about 71 percent of the program's target at that time.

The beneficiaries include indigent individuals, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, low-income earners, farmers, fisherfolk and other vulnerable sectors, based on master lists provided by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Human Resource Management Office.

Aowat said implementation of the rice assistance program may continue until December.

The rollout is expected to provide immediate food assistance to thousands of Kalinga families, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors, by reducing their household rice expenses.

In Tabuk City, the rice assistance follows a separate distribution arrangement, with the city receiving ₱19 million for its rice distribution project. Among those who had already received assistance were 303 households in Barangay Calanan, with beneficiaries set to receive 20 kilograms of rice in two tranches.

The LGSF-funded rice assistance is separate from the government's “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program. While the LGSF project provides free rice to identified beneficiaries, the latter makes rice available at a subsidized price through designated government distribution activities.