Laoag: Registered farmers and fisherfolk took advantage of a significant opportunity as they availed rice at PHP20 per kg at the National Food Authority's warehouse during the official launch of the national government's affordable rice expanded program.

According to Philippines News Agency, NFA-Ilocos Norte warehouse supervisor Emily Corpuz stated that an initial 5,500 bags of rice were prepared for this program, fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s promise to expand the PHP20 per kg rice program nationwide, as mentioned in his State of the Nation Address in July.

During the launch, 58-year-old Adela Jacinto, a resident of Barangay Mangato B, expressed her excitement after purchasing a 50-kg bag of rice for PHP1,000, equating to PHP20 per kg. By noon, 124 farmers had already availed of the program, each taking home 50 kg of rice.

NFA-Ilocos Norte branch manager Jonathan Corpuz encouraged farmers to embrace this beneficial program initiated by the President. The PHP20 per kg rice project, also known as 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na!,' was introduced in the province on July 31. It initially benefited 265 minimum wage earners through an agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment, in partnership with local agencies and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry's chapters in Ilocos Norte and Laoag City.

Following this, registered farmers and fisherfolk began participating in the program at the NFA-Laoag branch. Under the program, the rice is priced at PHP29 per kg for NFA rice, but beneficiaries pay only PHP20 per kg, with the price difference subsidized by the Department of Agriculture - Food Terminal, Inc. and local government units.

Currently, the NFA-Laoag warehouse holds 21,551 bags of rice and 26,782 bags of palay, ensuring sufficient supply for the upcoming cropping season.