Davao Residents Get Free Rice Allocation

Lawyer Karlo Nograles, son of House Speaker Prospero Nograles, distributes rice to poor families in Davao City in southern Philippines.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 16, 2008) – Dozens of local residents lined up for free rice in the southern Philippine city of Davao after House Speaker Prospero Nograles distributed them to help poor families cope up with the rising cost of basic commodities.

The rice distribution held recently benefited villagers and the lawmaker also signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Food Authority for the putting up of 40 retail stores in Davao City that would sell rice at government prices.

NFA rice is currently selling at P18.25 a kilo.

“With the high prices of rice, this distribution can really do a difference in the life of the people. We hope to help more poor families here,” said lawyer Karlo Nograles, the lawmaker’s son, who active in humanitarian mission in Davao City.

He said the rice subsidy program came from Nograles’ development fund.Nograles said more NFA stores would be put up in strategic areas to make it more accessible to public. “Many poor families are sure to benefit from these NFA rice outlets,” he said. (Romy Bwaga)