Davao city: Low-income earners availed themselves of PHP20-per-kilo rice as the 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na' (BBM Na) program officially rolled out here on Friday. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who led the launch at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) office, said the initial rollout prioritizes low-income earners accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), a similar strategy used during initial rollouts in other regions.

According to Philippines News Agency, for now, rice is available at the BPI office, but plans are in place to distribute it through municipal and barangay halls, as well as public markets. Laurel assured the public that by January next year, the lower middle class will also be able to benefit from the program. The Department of Agriculture targets around 15 million households nationwide for the program.

Laurel mentioned that the 'BBM Na' initiative will run until 2028, serving as a major help to the public and fulfilling a promise made by the President. To ensure sustainability, Laurel stated that the National Food Authority has sufficient supply to meet demand, a recurring assurance made by the agency during previous rollouts.

Residents expressed their gratitude for the subsidized rice. Marites Brigole thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the affordable rice, stating her happiness at being able to avail of it. Senior citizen Wowie Rodrigo also shared his appreciation, expressing hope that the program will continue, as it is a significant help for senior citizens.