Iloilo City: The local government of Iloilo City is currently awaiting official guidelines for the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na' (BBM) program, which is designed to provide rice at PHP20 per kilo. Mayor Jerry Tre±as announced the anticipated program following discussions with the regional director of the Department of Agriculture.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Tre±as highlighted that the city had not previously allocated funds for the program due to its novelty. "We will have to reallocate some funds because for me it is going to be a big help for our residents in the city," he stated. The mayor emphasized the city's readiness to support the initiative and expressed a commitment to await further instructions.

In the meantime, Iloilo City residents have access to a PHP29 per kilo Rice-for-All initiative, available during the Kadiwa Merkado Lokal events hosted by the city government. These events take place on Thursdays and Fridays every third week of the month, providing an interim solution for affordable rice access.

Additionally, the city government has received a PHP1.96 million donation from Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. This contribution is earmarked for purchasing raw materials for the rice-mongo-sesame blend food technology, aimed at complementing the feeding of children aged six months to 59 months. Mayor Tre±as announced plans to adopt this food technology, developed by the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute, as part of the city's nutrition program.

The mayor also noted the city's continued efforts to secure additional funds for the sustainability of the program, which runs concurrently with the production of enhanced nutribun for daycare center feeding programs. Despite Iloilo having one of the lowest rates of malnourished children, the mayor stressed the importance of maintaining and improving children's nutrition to facilitate better learning outcomes.

During the signing of the deed of donation and the turnover of the check, Board of Trustee Rogelio Florete Jr. represented the foundation at the city mayor's office.