Manila: Lower-middle-income Filipinos are poised to benefit from the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, which will offer rice at PHP20 per kilogram beginning January 2026, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA). This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to ensuring affordable, high-quality rice for the country's poor and vulnerable populations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlined the expansive plan during a recent year-end interview, stating that the initiative aims to reach 15 million households through collaboration with local government units (LGUs). "Every week of the year next year, may ilalabas kami na (we will release a) schedule of implementation for PHP20 rice for the lower middle income class and below," Tiu Laurel emphasized.

The accelerated rollout will prioritize at least eight areas from January to February, with Pangasinan identified as the first province in line. The remaining areas for the initial phase have not yet been disclosed. Currently, BBM Na rice is available in all 82 provinces, benefiting nearly 2 million households, with the national rollout completion expected by year-end.

Tiu Laurel assured that local government collaboration has been positive, as the national government will fully subsidize the costs, leaving LGUs responsible for distribution and logistics. The program also aims to extend rice availability to schools and companies through partnerships with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Supply concerns have been addressed through plans to procure palay (unhusked rice) to support local farmers. Tiu Laurel stated, "At the end of the day, kung malakas 'yung uptick at maganda 'yung takbo (if there's a strong uptick and there's a good rollout), then we will consume lahat ng rice ng NFA kasi bibili naman tayo ng bago (all the NFA rice because we can purchase anew)."

The DA's ability to execute this plan hinges on the approval of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) without budget reductions. The department plans to utilize its PHP23 billion allocation to purchase between 1.5 million to 1.8 million metric tons (MT) of rice.