Bacolod: Government-assisted farmers' groups in Negros Occidental are selling PHP20 per kilogram (kg) rice through the "Bigasan ng Bayan" at the ongoing 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival here. This initiative aims to provide affordable rice to the community during the festival held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.

According to Philippines News Agency, this marks the third consecutive year the Federation of Irrigators' Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS) is participating in the festival. They are offering lower-priced rice through the Food Security and Technology Fair. FIACN-BRIS president Pedro Limpangog stated that the rice will be available at PHP20 per kilo during the Panaad Festival until April 19.

The FIACN-BRIS will accommodate 100 individuals per day, allowing each to purchase up to 5 kilos of rice from April 13 to 19. Beneficiaries include those from vulnerable sectors, specifically persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and solo parents. Limpangog emphasized that this effort aims to promote food security and support those most in need within the community.

FIACN-BRIS operates under the National Irrigation Administration-Negros Occidental Irrigation Management Office and allocates rice supply for the "Bigasan ng Bayan" initiative almost every month. The selling price is in line with the PHP20 per kilo rice program initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Negros Occidental provincial government, working alongside FIACN-BRIS, for its Dagyaw Project, which focuses on producing high-yield rice at a lower production cost. In February and March, FIACN-BRIS also sold 2,500 kilos of rice each in Pulupandan and Murcia towns.