Davao occidental: Some 200 minimum wage earners (MWEs) in Davao Occidental benefited Wednesday from the launch of the government's PHP20 per kg. subsidized rice program, dubbed 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na.' The event, held in Malita town, aims to soften the impact of inflation and rising commodity prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the program, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 11 Provincial Head Paul Cruz emphasized that the 'BBM Na' program for MWEs is a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Each of the 200 workers from the Malita Rural Workers Agrarian Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MARWABEMPCO) received 10 kilograms of well-milled National Food Authority rice at the subsidized rate of PHP20 per kg.

Cruz stated, "This initiative marks a proactive step in supporting the economic resilience of workers amid prevailing price hikes." He reiterated DOLE's commitment to improving workers' welfare, especially those in the minimum wage sector, who remain the backbone of the local economy. "In these challenging times when the cost of living continues to rise, it is our duty to ensure that no worker is left behind," Cruz added.

Rolly Mamada, MARWABEMPCO board chairperson, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative and for making them the first recipients in the province. Rollouts are set to continue in the coming months to reach more MWEs across the province and provide much-needed support to workers.