Sual: A total of 500 residents in Sual town availed of rice priced at PHP20 per kilogram under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na! Program on Thursday. Emily Bugnot, 46, a person with disability (PWD) and solo parent of seven, expressed gratitude towards the national government for the initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bugnot, who works as a housekeeper and is a widow, highlighted the significance of the program in her life, emphasizing that it is a substantial aid as she is the sole provider for her family. "The low-price rice is of great help to me as a PWD and also as a solo parent. I am the only one working, so it is really a big help," she stated in Filipino during an interview. Bugnot hopes that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will continue the program to assist those in similar situations.
Robert Gondayao, 64, another beneficiary, praised President Marcos for the initiative, giving him a high rating due to the affordability of the rice. "I give him 80 percent and above because we are able to buy rice at a cheaper price," he shared. Marking Manaois, 41, a former overseas Filipino worker, also attested to the program's benefits, as he is currently unemployed and caring for his mother-in-law, who recently survived cancer. He noted the quality of the rice despite its low price.
Under the program, each beneficiary is allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice. President Marcos personally visited the BBM rice distribution area in front of the Sual Fish Port on Thursday, where he also inspected the expanded port facilities.
During an interview at the port following the President's visit, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the rice sold under the program was sourced from farmers nationwide. He assured the public of a sufficient rice supply, explaining, "We have enough stock until the end of this year. Our biggest harvest season is October, November, and December. So, we will have supply again until the middle of next year."
Sual Mayor Liseldo Calugay expressed gratitude to the national government for initiatives like the affordable rice program, which he believes significantly benefits the residents.
