Antique: An initial 1,000 Antique±os stand to benefit from the government's "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program during the provincial launch in the Municipality of Bugasong on Wednesday. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist Supervising Agriculturist in Antique, Noralyn Setias, stated in an interview on Tuesday that the program aims to assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other members of the vulnerable sector identified by the local government of Bugasong.

According to Philippines News Agency, identified beneficiaries can purchase rice from the National Food Authority at PHP20 per kilo. Each beneficiary is allowed a maximum of 10 kilos. The provincial launch will be succeeded by the program rollout in other municipalities in Antique.

The launch coincides with the lean month and will feature the Kadiwa ng Pangulo display by micro, small, and medium enterprises and farmers who will sell local agricultural products at reduced prices.