Guimaras: An initial 1,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable and poor households availed of the PHP20 per kilogram rice during the launch of the 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!' program in Guimaras province on Tuesday. Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro announced that Guimaras is among the first provinces in the Philippines to receive approval for this initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program aims to reach 15 million beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors nationwide and is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to providing affordable yet quality rice at PHP20 per kg. Beneficiaries can avail of up to 10 kilos of this locally-produced low-cost rice each month. Navarro emphasized that the program would continue until the end of the President's term.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing strategies for farmers receiving assistance to sell their surplus harvest to the National Food Authority (NFA) to ensure the program's sustainability and potential expansion. Governor Ma. Lucille Nava expressed gratitude for the quick approval from the DA, highlighting the program's importance for various vulnerable groups, including participants of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and solo parents.
NFA Regional Manager Jasmin Lintag assured that there is a sufficient rice buffer stock for the program. In an interview, she mentioned the ongoing procurement of palay from local farmers, with plans to increase efforts in the last quarter of the year. Currently, 300,000 bags have been procured out of a one million-bag target for 2025. Lintag expressed confidence in meeting this target.
Guimaras provincial agriculturist Alvin Nava stated that the provincial government would strategically position the BBM Na program in every municipality to increase accessibility. The province has procured 5,000 bags of rice for the program, aiming to distribute them by mid-August. The provincial government, alongside the provincial social welfare and development office, continues to validate the number of households in the vulnerable sector.
One of the recipients, 75-year-old Elenita Nonatora from Barangay Ilagay Igang in Nueva Valencia town, expressed her appreciation for the program, noting that the 10 kilos of affordable rice would significantly aid her family. The launch event was attended by Agriculture Regional Executive Director for Western Visayas Dennis Arpia, Regional Technical Director for Operations Maria Teresa Solis, Guimaras Rep. JC Rahman Nava, Jordan Mayor John Edward Gando, and representatives from the Food Terminal Inc.
