PLARIDEL, Bulacan — Provincial leaders led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alex C. Castro visited Plaridel Covered Court on September 12, 2026, as part of the province-wide aid distribution under the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to uplifting Filipino families and delivering direct assistance to Bulakenyos.
A warm, enthusiastic crowd of women, youth, and elders welcomed Vice Governor Castro, with residents lining up for photos and selfies—a familiar scene during provincial outreach activities across the province. The distribution was spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) under Head Rowena Tiongson Joson, in coordination with the Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO) led by Chief Krissa Talavera and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) under Chief Manuel Lukban Jr. Each beneficiary received 10 kilograms of rice provided by the national government.
In his remarks, Vice Governor Castro reminded the public that the assistance comes from their own contributions.
“Do you know where the funds for this rice come from? From the taxes of the Filipino people—from you who pay taxes to the government. The government is simply returning a portion of what you have contributed, and we are only the messengers. You owe us no debt of gratitude. We are like delivery riders—from Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok—who hand over the product you ordered and take a photo as proof of delivery. That is our role: to ensure national aid reaches you,” Castro said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Governor Fernando, meanwhile, opened with a nostalgic message centered on strengthening the Filipino family.
“We must strengthen the Filipino family,” Fernando stated. He shared fond memories of simpler times—of playing by the river, climbing trees, and listening to elders—reminding residents to cherish their roots and the values passed down through generations.
Turning to urgent provincial concerns, the Governor confirmed that the national government is currently reviewing the pre-feasibility study for a comprehensive flood-control solution, following a meeting where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. heard the unified appeal of the governors of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan. The plan includes managing high-tide levels at the upstream portion of the Bayabas Dam in Doña Remedios Trinidad, as well as the construction of a coastal road and flood-control infrastructure that will also serve as a tollway.
Fernando also announced upcoming milestones, including the groundbreaking of a waste-to-energy facility in San Ildefonso that will use machine-based segregation to process the province’s waste. He issued a public health warning as well, noting a rising number of leptospirosis cases in the province.
“We are seeing an outbreak of leptospirosis. It can affect the kidneys and lead to dialysis. Every Bulakenyo must be extremely careful,” he cautioned.
Plaridel Mayor Jocell Vistan-Casaje, Councilor Roset Geronimo, and other municipal and barangay officials joined the activity, which marked the final leg of clustered distribution in the municipality.
