Food, infra fund for Cebu raised to P720M

Local

THE national government has increased its Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) allocation to Cebu Province to P720 million, aiming to strengthen food security and improve critical rural infrastructure.

The additional P360 million from the Office of the President supplements the first P360 million previously granted, allowing the provincial government to expand priority projects.

Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the new funds will focus on interventions that directly support the province’s food supply chain, particularly through improved farm-to-market road connectivity.

A significant portion will be used for strategic road projects to speed the movement of agricultural goods from production areas to local markets.

“Ang additional 360 million nga LGSF from the office of the President gi-allocate siya for strategic road farm to market mechanism to support kaning food security program ni Gov (Baricuatro),” Empaces said.

Provincial officials expect the road improvements to reduce transportation costs, minimize post-harvest losses, and ensure faster delivery of essential commodities.

The projects are also seen as a long-term investment to stabilize staple food supply, particularly rice, amid external supply uncertainties.

Empaces clarified that the funding forms part of the national government’s regular assistance program, designed to help local government units address urgent needs and accelerate projects that may be delayed due to limited local resources or National Tax Allotment (NTA).

He also said Malacañang directly informed the provincial government of the additional allocation, which is being processed through the Department of Budget and Management portal as the second tranche.

According to provincial officials, the assistance was based on project proposals previously submitted, emphasizing that the allocation is program-based and not a political favor.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally received the first tranche of P360 million at Malacañang Palace on February 23.

From that amount, P150 million was allocated for rice assistance for more than 30,000 families across 10 local government units, with each household set to receive 10 kilograms of rice.

Another P150 million was earmarked for priority infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads and other road works in the municipalities of Sogod, Tabuelan, and Tuburan.

The provincial government has also been monitoring rice inventories amid concerns over supply disruptions.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano coordinated with the Department of Agriculture to augment rice stocks from alternative sources, including Thailand, while awaiting new shipments from Vietnam expected in early March.(MyTVCebu)