Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday introduced a modernized online registry system for the P20 rice program under the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na)' initiative. This move is part of efforts to align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives to ensure food security, accessibility, and affordability across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, the P20 rice program involves the sale of aging and soon-to-age but good-quality rice stocks procured from Filipino palay (unhusked rice) farmers by the National Food Authority (NFA). In a press conference, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the new digital platform aims to improve the program's system and sales through the creation of a master list of beneficiaries.
Laurel remarked on the importance of this master list for the smooth implementation of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program. He also acknowledged the efforts of the DA-Information and Communications Technology Service, which successfully tested the system in October. The registry system is now ready for deployment as part of the country's National Rice Awareness Month celebrations.
The registration drive will target a wide range of beneficiaries, including delivery riders, drivers, bus conductors, security personnel, and members of vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Access has also been extended to indigenous peoples, low-income earners, farmers and fisherfolk, public transport workers, and beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Walang Gutom program.
Eligible beneficiaries have until the end of February to register at designated P20 outlets to be included in the online 'P20 Benefinder'. Once registered, they will receive a QR code for purchase validation and a monthly purchase limit indicator. Currently, there are four registration sites in Metro Manila and NFA warehouses nationwide.
The modernized registry is anticipated to support the expansion of the BBM Na initiative to 15 million households, or roughly 60 million individuals, thereby streamlining the distribution and accessibility of affordable rice.
