The hands that once planted rice in the fields now hold a 10-kilo bag given through a government rice assistance program.
At 78, Glecerio Operario of Barangay 2, Dolores, has long left farming behind. Arthritis has made it difficult for him to work, leaving him dependent on limited resources for his daily needs.
His limited income also makes it difficult to consistently buy his maintenance medicines. At times, he can afford them for only about a week in a month.
During the BBM-LGSF rice distribution program, Tatay Glecerio received 10 kilos of rice after learning about the distribution through his barangay captain, who gave him a stub.
The program, part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” initiative, provides rice assistance through the cooperation of the national, provincial, and local governments.
In Eastern Samar, the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. RV Evardone has supported the implementation of the program together with the local government unit of Dolores through Mayor Zaldy Carpeso, bringing rice assistance closer to communities and families who need it.
For Tatay Glecerio, the 10 kilos will go a long way. He consumes about one kilo every two days, meaning the rice can provide him with food for approximately 20 days.
“Baa dako ga it nga bulig, dako gud nga salamat han naghatag hini, dako gud it nga bulig ha ak.”
Instead of spending money on rice, he can now use what little he has for other necessities.
“Tak papaliton nala sura ko nala suga hiton mayda ko na pagkaon sakop hin 20 diyas.”
Tatay Glecerio said he is also grateful for other government assistance he has received, including his social pension and support provided to farmers.
“Nagpapasalamat ak hit ngatanan nga mga may ada katungdanan nga nakakapaghatag hin mga bulig ha mga pobre, sugad ha ak nga tigurang na. Dako nga salamat, gidadakue nga salamat kanda governor.”
For a man who spent much of his life growing rice and crops, the 10 kilos he received now means something deeply personal.
He can no longer work the fields, but for the next 20 days, he knows there will be rice on his table. (TAC-JDM)
