Basey: An official of the local agriculture office here on Thursday emphasized the feasibility of selling rice at PHP20 per kilogram in areas with rice farms, particularly during the harvest season. The initiative is part of the government's Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, which has been implemented in Basey, Samar.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jesus Jabines, the municipal agriculture officer, expressed willingness to share the successful practices of Basey with other towns in the province and beyond. He highlighted the support provided to farmers, such as free seeds and fertilizers, in exchange for selling rice at an affordable rate. Farmers who receive a sack of free fertilizer are encouraged to sell a sack of their produce to underprivileged families.

The program has been ongoing for four weeks, with the local government collaborating with around 3,000 farmers to sell rice to indigent families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store located outside the municipal hall and in village halls. Farmers participating in the program receive additional benefits such as a free rice-drying net and priority access to free seeds and fertilizers for the next cropping season.

Basey, situated 46 kilometers from Tacloban City, has 4,400 hectares of land dedicated to rice farming. The town's initiative to provide affordable rice has been a welcome relief for residents like Alde Carbonida from Barangay Buscada, who earns PHP200 daily as a pedicab driver. The availability of PHP20 per kilogram rice has enabled his family to afford more nutritious meals.