Antique: The Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! initiative, part of the government programs, will be available during the Handog ng Pangulo event in Antique on Monday. The Handog ng Pangulo is part of the birthday celebration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as stated by Betty Baldevia, Agri-business and Marketing Coordinator of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), during an interview on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to prioritize the vulnerable sectors of the province by providing them access to low-priced rice. Baldevia explained that members of vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigents, tricycle drivers, and registered farmers, will be able to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice at PHP20 per kilo. The National Food Authority (NFA) will offer 200 bags of rice to 1,000 individuals on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the rice program, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo will be hosted at the Business Park over two days, with participation from 34 farmers and micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs. Participants will benefit not only from sales income but also from a PHP513 daily wage for two days under the Department of Labor and Employment's emergency employment program.