Manila: Public school teachers and non-teaching personnel can now access rice at PHP20 per kilogram under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Friday. The inclusion follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the DA and the Department of Education (DepEd), signed during the 2025 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Expo in Manila, expanding the program's reach to schools nationwide.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program targets around 800,000 DepEd personnel and aims to reach island and upland communities in areas like Camarines Sur, Romblon, and Camiguin. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel highlighted the program's focus on making cheaper rice more accessible, especially to remote and far-flung areas, starting January 2026.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed enthusiasm for the program, noting that the formalization of the initiative would see Kadiwa stores set up in schools. Under the program, DepEd will play a crucial role in validating eligible beneficiaries and coordinating monthly distribution schedules during Kadiwa selling days, while the DA is tasked with ensuring a steady supply of affordable, quality rice and other agricultural products.

This initiative is part of the DA's nationwide BBM Na expansion, which aims to serve 15 million households by next year.