Manila: Minimum wage earners in the country may soon benefit from the PHP20 per kilogram rice initiative known as the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na" program, as announced by the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday. This development follows a discussion between the DA and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aimed at providing cheaper rice to more Filipinos, aligning with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA, through its Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Centers and stalls, is set to offer PHP20/kg worth of well-milled rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) to vulnerable sectors, including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), and solo parents. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the agreement has been "approved" in principle, emphasizing the President's commitment to extending the P20 rice initiative to those in need.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma expressed optimism about the collaboration, which aims to empower minimum wage earners by enhancing their purchasing power. However, he noted that the program will initially be limited to employees of companies interested in participating in the pilot rollout of the BBM Na program.
Currently, the 'BBM Na' initiative is operational at 38 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, with 16 local government units (LGUs) in Cebu also implementing the program. The first phase of the program targets areas in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental; Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar; Southern Leyte and Leyte; and Bohol, Antique, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz Biliran; Guimaras, Siquijor, Aklan, and Mindoro.
The second phase, slated to begin in July, will extend to Zamboanga del Norte, Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Davao Oriental, and Sorsogon. The third and final phase will encompass Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani, and Dinagat Islands.
