Iloilo city: An initial group of 69 farmers from Iloilo have taken advantage of the PHP20 per kilogram rice offer at the launch of the 'Benteng Bigas Meron Na!' (BBM Na) initiative held at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Jaro, Iloilo City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Maria Teresa Solis, the OIC-Regional Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture - Western Visayas, stated that the provision of affordable rice to farmers and fisherfolk was in response to their request for access to PHP20 per kg. rice. Solis explained that the NFA central office determines the volume of rice available for certain periods based on advice from the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).

"For farmers, it is the FTI that will pay the subsidy; all covered by DA-FTI," Solis noted. During the launch, an initial instruction was given for 500 bags of rice, each weighing 50 kg, to be made available. The warehouse managed to distribute 68 bags and 10 kg of rice, serving 69 farmers.

The selling operation commenced on Thursday, with the NFA open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Farmers can purchase a maximum of 50 kilos of rice, which is sufficient for five months. Eligibility requires enrollment in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Only farmers managing two hectares or less are eligible to purchase the subsidized rice. Solis encouraged interested parties to participate, assuring that the rice quality is satisfactory. The initial allocation of 500 bags is designated for Iloilo farmers, but the NFA plans to extend operations to Dumangas town in Iloilo, Antique, and Aklan.

Solis mentioned that, according to the NFA, all provinces will have access to the program on or before September 24. Capiz province initiated the program last month and had already distributed 327.6 sacks as of September 4. Solis added that they are currently awaiting the schedule for the inclusion of fisherfolk.