Tacloban: About 1,000 residents in this city benefited from the expanded rollout of the government's 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!' program, which offers rice at PHP20 per kilo to vulnerable sectors affected by rising food costs.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) 8 (Eastern Visayas) in partnership with the city agriculture office, National Food Authority, and Food Terminal Incorporated. The event took place on Friday at the Tacloban City Sports Complex, where 200 sacks of rice were distributed to qualified beneficiaries.

Tacloban City Agriculturist Romel Anade confirmed that the city government purchased 3,000 sacks of rice to sustain the program and ensure affordable rice reaches more communities. "Only 200 sacks were initially distributed at the launch, while the remaining supply will be rolled out to barangays across the city," Anade stated during the distribution.

The 'BBM Na!' program permits indigent families, senior citizens, and low-income households to purchase rice at significantly lower prices than market rates. This provides relief amid rising prices of basic commodities.

The DA-8 mentioned that the initiative supports the national government's food security agenda under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims at making rice more affordable and accessible to Filipinos. Local officials noted that the program's continued expansion in Tacloban barangays is anticipated to improve food access and ease the financial strain on underserved communities.