A total of 386,673 families and beneficiaries in Negros Oriental are expected to receive rice assistance from the national government in the coming months under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program, Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria said Monday.

Sagarbarria bared this during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit here, where the President led the second tranche of rice distribution to 2,230 beneficiaries from Barangays Cantil-e and Talay in this capital city.

“This is not just one tranche. Together with the mayors, we will add more rice assistance. This is where you can see the sincerity of the President,” Sagarbarria said.

“And I know that it is in his heart that no family shall be left behind,” he added.

“With the support of the mayors, I truly believe we can hit 80, 90, or close to 100 percent in giving rice to all families in Negros Oriental,” Sagarbarria said.

Marcos, in his message during the distribution, said the rice assistance is intended for Filipinos who are in need.

He recalled that when he assumed office, he was asked what he wanted for the country, and he said he hoped that someday Filipinos would no longer go hungry and would be able to eat three meals a day.

The President also cited recent statistics showing that since the program was launched, “six and a half million Filipinos have been removed from poverty.”

Hilton Edrial, provincial social welfare and development officer, said in an interview that vulnerable sectors are being prioritized in the rice assistance, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and low- and middle-income families such as farmers, laborers, vendors, and fisherfolk.

Vilma Caro, 72, a resident of Barangay Talay and a retired midwife, thanked the President for the rice assistance, saying retirees no longer earn as much as they did while employed.

Caro expressed hope that the program would continue to help ease their financial burden, adding that money saved from buying rice could be used for other household needs.

Marcos also visited the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Tanjay City and the multi-award-winning Baslay Coffee in Dauin. (PNA)