Bacolod: The 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! for Minimum Wage Earners' Program is helping ease the financial burden of low-income workers in this highly urbanized city. The BBM Na program supports President R. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s anti-hunger campaign by making rice more affordable for vulnerable households.

According to Philippines News Agency, on Friday, 275 beneficiaries from the Innovative Skills Labor Service Cooperative (iSkills), who earn PHP513 per day, availed of 10 kilos of rice each for only PHP200. Jerry Ochida, iSkills manager, expressed gratitude for the program, highlighting its significance for minimum wage earners like janitors and other low-income workers in managing their food budget. Ochida emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the government's capability to lower the price of rice to PHP20 per kilogram.

Ochida also mentioned that iSkills, which provides manpower services for Riverside Medical Center and Riverside College, has about 500 workers, and efforts are being made to ensure the rest of them also benefit from the affordable rice program. Joery Panoncia, a civil relations officer of iSkills, thanked President Marcos for the opportunity, noting that the savings could be used for other household expenses.

Housekeeping aide Jackie Lou Ocampo, a mother of four, shared her happiness in being able to buy rice at only PHP20 per kg for her family, which consumes up to two kilograms daily. She emphasized the privilege the program offers to minimum wage earners, allowing for savings in household expenses.

Carmela Abellar, Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Occidental provincial head, stated that iSkills is among the first private establishments in the province to support the BBM Na program for minimum wage earners. Abellar expressed hope for regular implementation and assured the provision of good quality rice.

Benilda Fidel, National Food Authority-Negros Occidental branch manager, noted that the newly-milled rice for the BBM Na! program is sourced from Negrense farmers, ensuring it is both affordable and of good quality.