Iloilo city: The city government has earmarked PHP500,000 for the implementation of the "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" (BBM) program, which offers rice at PHP20 per kilo as part of the Marcos administration's initiative. This allocation is part of the broader Supplemental Budget No. 2, totaling PHP125.02 million, approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its regular session.

According to Philippines News Agency, the allocated funds will support a PHP6.50 per kilo subsidy, the city's contribution towards providing low-cost rice to beneficiaries through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Merkado Lokal outlet. The city government is preparing to formalize an agreement with Food Terminal Inc., pending authorization from the Sangguniang Panlungsod, as Mayor Raisa Tre±as awaits the go-ahead.

In her communication to the Office of Vice Mayor Julie Grace Baronda, Mayor Tre±as emphasized that the rice program aims to mitigate the financial impact of rising rice prices on consumers. She highlighted that the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with Food Terminal Inc., plans to work with local government units to ensure that the rice program reaches Filipino communities at the grassroots level.

The city council is expected to deliberate on the endorsement next week, following its deferral during the recent session. The BBM rice program enables eligible beneficiaries to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice monthly at the subsidized rate of PHP20 per kilo.