• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod City government has contracted a Rizal-based supplier in the procurement of 134,285 sacks of rice, all worth P93,983,385.80, for distribution to identified beneficiaries under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) Rice Assistance Program.
The contract of agreement between the city government and BSA 99 Enterprises Inc. was ratified by the Sangguniang Panlungsod June 10 after Mayor Greg Gasataya certified it urgent.
Per the contract signed by Gasataya and BSA 99 Enterprises Inc. president Suzette Sta. Rita, the delivery of goods will be as need arises, and monthly payment shall be made to the supplier upon submission of documents prescribed in the approved Terms of Reference.
The departments of Budget and Management and of the Interior and Local Government earlier issued a joint circular on the guidelines in the release and utilization of funds for the rice distribution project, chargeable against the LGSF-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
The guidelines apply to provinces, cities, and municipalities for distribution of rice “to poor, near poor, vulnerable, minimum wage, or other deserving families…to provide timely, adequate, and targeted food support…particularly during periods of economic hardship, disasters, public health emergencies, or other circumstances that compromise household food security.”
“To ensure the regular and sustainable provision of food assistance, the distribution of quality rice to identified beneficiaries shall be undertaken every other month, subject to availability of funds of the LGU and proper beneficiary validation,” the circular states. | CGC
