Manila: The government has commenced the distribution of PHP20 per kilogram rice in public markets across the nation, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s launch of the 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!' initiative in Bacoor, Cavite, as announced by Malaca±ang.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated in a press briefing that the program's expansion aligns with the President's directive to broaden the scope of the administration's PHP20 rice initiative. The President emphasized the government's objective to ensure that every Filipino family has sufficient food.

Castro highlighted that the initiative is now in a broader rollout phase, aiming to benefit more low-income families. President Marcos led officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) in the program's launch at the Zapote Public Market in Bacoor, Cavite.

This expansion marks a significant development in the PHP20 rice program, which was initially piloted in the Visayas in May. The Department of Agriculture's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service reported that the program has already reached over 105,000 families in Luzon and the Visayas, distributing over 804,000 kilograms of rice between May 13 and June 30.

The PHP20 rice is currently available to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent families, and minimum wage earners, with a target of reaching 1 million beneficiaries by the end of the year. The program aims to benefit 15 million Filipinos nationwide by 2026 and maintain its operations through 2028.

In addition to aiding low-income families, the program supports local farmers by reinvesting NFA procurement budgets into rural economies and helps to decongest government rice warehouses. To date, there are 94 outlet sites established throughout the country.