Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na' (BBM Na) initiative, which offers rice at PHP20 per kilogram, will be launched in Camarines Sur province in July.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed this development during an interview after a flag ceremony. The initiative aims to provide affordable rice to the province, with plans to expand to other areas in the Bicol Region by early next year. Tiu Laurel remarked, "They are slated for January 2026, but Camarines Sur is ready to implement the program. They qualified for the PHP20 rice subsidy due to last year's rice emergency when we sold rice at PHP33, along with 12 other cities and municipalities across the country."

The Secretary noted that coordination efforts are underway with Camarines Sur Governor-elect Luis Raymund Villafuerte to ensure a smooth program launch. Geraldine Posadas from Donsol, Sorsogon, expressed her satisfaction with the upcoming implementation, stating, "I'm happy that BBM Na will also come to Bicol. We've been waiting for it to be available for a long time, as it's a significant help. The PHP100 that used to be only two kilos will now be five kilos, so it's a big relief for our grocery expenses."

Teresa Iraola from Iriga City, Camarines Sur, also shared her enthusiasm, calling it "great news for the province." She emphasized the importance of making affordable local harvest rice accessible to everyone, not just the vulnerable sector.

Secretary Tiu Laurel has scheduled a visit to the region from June 27 to 28 to evaluate several farm-to-market road projects and the mechanization efforts intended for distribution to local farmers.