Pangasinan: A total of 177,000 families in Pangasinan are set to benefit from the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! program of the national government. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that Pangasinan is the pilot area for the province-wide launch of the program.
According to Philippines News Agency, Laurel explained that the program is an outcome-based intervention designed to ensure that no Filipino goes hungry and that farmers are not left behind. The initiative enables residents to purchase rice at PHP20 per kilo, with the aim of benefiting nearly 60 million Filipinos nationwide this year. The government has allocated approximately PHP14 billion for the program, which is set to run until 2028.
Laurel highlighted that vulnerable sectors, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and solo parents, can purchase up to 30 kilos per household per month. In contrast, other residents may buy up to 10 kilos per household per month. He assured that there would be sufficient rice supply to support the program, which aims to reduce market tensions and provide high-value rice to more families.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III emphasized that the program offers affordable and adequate rice access to low-income families. Residents can purchase the PHP20-per-kilo rice at the Kadiwa ed Kapitolyo or Kadiwa ng Pangulo events across the province. Guico noted that Pangasinan was recognized as the National Grand Winner for Outstanding Kadiwa Implementer by the Local Government Unit in 2025. The province has expanded the program to various barangays in Binmaley and Lingayen to ensure affordable rice reaches local communities.
In addition to the rice program, the province has launched corporate farming initiatives to support national government efforts. A soil-testing facility and laboratory will be established to bolster these farming activities.
Governor Guico expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the program, which continues to support food security, farmers' livelihoods, and the prosperity of Pangasinan's people. Cristina de Guzman, a resident of Lingayen, also expressed her appreciation for the affordable rice, stating that the PHP20 per kilo promise has become a reality.
