The head of the Department of Agriculture expressed sympathy to the family of a 73-year-old who died waiting to buy subsidized rice, promising to improve safety measures amid rising demand driven by the ongoing oil crisis.
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA), extended his condolences to the family of a 73-year-old senior citizen who tragically died while waiting to purchase rice being sold at P20 per kilo. The incident occurred at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) office in Quezon City, an agency under DA.
According to reports, the elderly man was fatally struck by a speeding vehicle that veered onto the sidewalk. Secretary Laurel personally dispatched assistance to the bereaved family, describing the aid as direct and committed. He acknowledged the photograph and video evidence circulating the incident and expressed his sympathies publicly.
Laurel emphasized the department’s commitment to reviewing and enhancing the safety protocols surrounding the subsidized rice sales, especially given the surge in consumer demand attributed to the ongoing oil crisis. This increase has prompted higher foot traffic at distribution points, raising concerns about crowd safety.
The P20 per kilo rice initiative aims to provide affordable staple food to the public amid economic challenges. The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation and explore measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988437/da-chief-condoles-with-family-of-elderly-who-died-while-waiting-to-buy-p20-per-kilo-rice/story/