Dingras: The rice granary of Dingras, Ilocos Norte on Tuesday launched the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, expanding access to affordable rice for more consumers, including residents of far-flung and underserved communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, led by Mayor Joemelle Saguid-Go Sy, aims to bring the government's low-priced rice closer to consumers by making it available within local communities. This effort helps ease the burden of food expenses among low- and middle-income families by ensuring affordable and accessible rice.

"This is the first time that we launched this program in Dingras being the rice granary of Ilocos Norte. Our goal is not only to have rice but to have affordable and accessible rice for our constituents," Mayor Joemelle Saguid-Go Sy said in a media interview. She added that after the program launch at the Dingras covered court, the PHP20 per kilo rice program will be brought to remote barangays so they no longer need to travel to town centers to purchase rice.

By bringing the program closer to these communities, the local government hopes to make the essential food staple more accessible to more households. The initiative also supports the government's broader efforts to promote food security and access to affordable food, helping ensure that vulnerable families can obtain quality rice at a price they can afford.