Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for extending the PHP20 per kilogram rice program to include both teaching and non-teaching personnel. The initiative aims to provide affordable rice to education sector employees, with an expansion planned for October 15.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is responsible for broadening the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’ program to encompass the education sector. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted the significance of the initiative in a radio interview, expressing appreciation to President Marcos and DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for their efforts. Angara noted the positive impact the program would have on the families of teachers, stating, “Matutuwa ho talaga ‘yung pamilya ng ating teachers (The families of our teachers will be overjoyed).”
Angara also mentioned that DepEd is prepared to address any logistical challenges that might arise in the distribution process of the subsidized rice. Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. previously indicated that the DA is in the final stages of determining the list of beneficiaries within DepEd, with salary grades being a factor in the selection process.
