More than 1.8 million government employees are set to receive more than P1 billion worth of rice assistance, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday. 

“As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we shall ensure the welfare of our government workers by giving them assistance for their household needs and, at the same time, boosting the production of our rice farmers,” DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said the grant of a one-time rice assistance will not only provide support to the qualified state workers but also boost the production of rice farmers.

The rice assistance, approved for release Wednesday by the DBM, will also benefit contractual workers in government. 

The DBM said the aid will be granted to beneficiaries who are still in the government service or are engaged by government agencies as of November 30, 2022.