Manila: At least five Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na) sites are planned to be established per local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila to make the PHP20 per kg. rice more accessible, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday. The agency plans to roll out the P20's full-scale expansion in time for the upcoming palay (unhusked rice) harvest for the dry season in March.
According to Philippines News Agency, the goal is to bring affordable rice closer to constituents and ensure vulnerable sectors are directly served. This initiative underscores a commitment to food security and easing the financial burden on Filipino families, stated DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. On Wednesday, a technical working group composed of representatives from the DA and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority convened to expedite and streamline the expansion of the BBM Na.
The DA chief emphasized the necessity for each LGU to have multiple BBM Na outlets to support Filipino families amid food inflation. There have been slight increases in rice prices due to a delay in rice import arrivals, with the bulk of the volume arriving in late January following the lifting of the rice import ban.
Meanwhile, DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Director Junibert de Sagun urged LGUs to ensure timely compliance with documentation requirements to prevent delays in program implementation. He highlighted the importance of close coordination with LGUs and DA-FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) for efficient distribution and sustained supply of P20 rice.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes committed to timely monitoring to ensure a wider reach of the program, aiming to make affordable rice accessible to as many Metro Manila families as possible. The expansion targets at least 15 million families, including those in lower-middle-income and financially challenged households.
Priority beneficiaries include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, minimum wage earners, members of Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations, farmers, and fishers. Tiu Laurel mentioned the Metro Manila expansion will also support local rice producers as the National Food Authority clears warehouse spaces for palay procurement at the beginning of the harvest season.
