BACOLOD CITY, July 16 -- An initial 23,665 senior citizens in this highly urbanized city have received rice assistance under the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang, a major initiative under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program.

As of Thursday, a total of 236,650 kg. have been distributed, with each identified beneficiary receiving 10 kg. for the first of the four tranches of rice aid totaling 40 kg.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the rice distribution will continue until November for senior citizens aged 65 and above who do not receive any social pension.

"We thank the national government through President Bongbong Marcos for this program. We hope this will help reduce the expenses of our elderly," he added.

The 23,665 senior citizens we...