Bulacan: The Department of Agriculture (DA) formally launched the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) Para sa Magsasaka' program at the National Food Authority (NFA) Balagtas Warehouse 3 on Wednesday morning. DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra highlighted that the initiative was developed in response to farmers' requests for access to affordable rice.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program is designed to benefit small farmers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) who cultivate two hectares of land or less, as well as farmworkers. Eligible participants can purchase up to 10 kg. of rice per month and are entitled to receive one 50-kg. sack of rice until December. Guevarra noted that the program initially launched at 18 NFA warehouses, with plans to expand to over 100 warehouses nationwide by September. The NFA warehouses operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Farmers have expressed support for the initiative. Zenaida Agustin, a farmer from Barangay Santo Rosa 2, Marilao, praised the program for allowing farmers to purchase rice at P20 per kilo. She expressed hope for the program's extension to benefit more farmers. Emelita Agapito from Barangay Bunlo, Bocaue, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the program's significance in providing cost savings for small farmers.

In a related development, the local government of Pandi is implementing a "P20/kg. Rice for Pandi residents" program. Pandi Mayor Rico Roque stated that residents with an E-Card can purchase up to five kilos of rice each. The E-Card system aims to ensure proper allocation of funds by the Pandi LGU and prevent external purchases.