KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — More than 22,000 residents in Kidapawan City have already received rice assistance under the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, with distribution continuing across the city’s barangays.
As of August 17, 2026, a total of 22,583 beneficiaries had received 10 kilograms of rice each, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The assistance is funded through the national government’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which has allocated ₱169 million for Cotabato Province.
The rollout has so far covered 30 of Kidapawan’s 40 barangays, bringing direct food assistance to thousands of families while distribution teams continue working to reach the remaining communities.
Among the barangays already covered are Birada, Mua-an, Indangan, Perez, Ilomavis, Balabag, Ginatilan, Meohao, Sumbac, Macebolig, Junction, Singao, Mateo, Kalasuyan, Luvimin, Gayola, Katipunan, Sikitan, Sto. Niño and San Roque.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has also conducted distribution activities in San Isidro, Linangkob, Marbel, Balindog, Onica, Amazion, Paco, Binoligan, Malinan and Amas. The program is being implemented with the National Food Authority (NFA).
Thousands more could still be reached
The numbers highlight the scale of the ongoing operation: with 10 kilograms of rice allotted per beneficiary, the 22,583 recipients represent at least 225,830 kilograms—or roughly 225.8 metric tons—of rice already distributed in Kidapawan alone.
The distribution also follows other government efforts to make rice more affordable in the city. Earlier this year, residents lined up for the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice program, showing the continuing pressure on household food budgets and the strong demand for lower-cost rice in Kidapawan.
The assistance comes as the national government continues expanding the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program to communities across the country. PIA reports from other provinces show that the program has likewise been used to distribute 10-kilogram rice assistance to qualified beneficiaries through LGSF-backed initiatives.
Governor calls for transparency
Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the provincial government would prioritize projects that provide meaningful support to vulnerable families.
She also urged residents to help monitor the implementation and report any irregularities involving the use of LGSF funds.
That accountability message is significant because the program involves a substantial public allocation: ₱169 million in LGSF funding for Cotabato Province.
For Kidapawan residents, however, the immediate impact is more tangible—a 10-kilogram allocation of rice that can help stretch household food supplies.
And with only 30 of the city’s 40 barangays covered as of August 17, the rice distribution is not yet finished.
The remaining communities are still waiting as the provincial government and its partners continue the rollout.
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