San jose de buenavista: The PHP20 per kilo rice initiative, part of the 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!' program, was warmly received by Antique residents during the 'Handog ng Pangulo' caravan. This program has provided significant relief to marginalized sectors, allowing them to allocate their savings to other essential needs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program enabled approximately 1,000 Antique±os, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigents, single or expectant mothers, tricycle drivers, and registered farmers, to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice each. The rice was sourced from local farmers through the National Food Authority.

Mary Ann Sorilla, a 60-year-old resident, expressed her gratitude for being able to purchase rice at this price for the first time. Previously, she had to pay PHP33 per kilo for well-milled rice. She plans to share her purchase with her sister, who has a disability.

Elias Baldestamon, a 70-year-old who lives alone, anticipates that the rice will last him over two weeks. Baldestamon, who repairs electric fans and washing machines for a living, often struggles financially and sometimes skips meals. He traveled early from Bugasong town to San Jose de Buenavista to take advantage of the affordable rice offer.