Guimaras: Around 1,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable and poor households in Guimaras are set to benefit from the PHP20 per kg rice initiative under the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na' (BBM Na) program, scheduled for launch on July 8. Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava announced that they are finalizing details for the program's rollout, initially targeting 1,000 beneficiaries.

According to Philippines News Agency, the provincial government of Guimaras entered into a memorandum of agreement with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in early June to procure 5,000 bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA), aiming to assist approximately 25,000 households across the province. Currently, NFA Guimaras is preparing 1,000 bags at its warehouse for distribution.

Following the program's launch, the provincial government plans to position the low-cost rice in every municipality to ensure accessibility for target beneficiaries. A subsidy allocation of PHP1.625 million has been set by the provincial government for its share of PHP6.50 per kg, while the national government will cover the remaining subsidy to maintain the rice cost at PHP20 per kg.

Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava noted that Governor Ma. Lucille Nava is committed to sustaining the program by pooling funds from various offices beyond the governor's office. While the BBM Na program prioritizes the vulnerable sector, the governor expressed interest in making it available to all residents, if possible.