AKLAN — The Department of Agriculture (DA) officially launched the government’s Benteng Bigas Meron Na! Program in the province of Aklan, offering rice at only P20 per kilo to qualified beneficiaries.
The launching was held on November 11, at the Goding Ramos Park, Capitol Grounds, Estancia, Kalibo, drawing long queues of residents eager to avail of the affordable rice.
The program is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s initiative to ensure that every Filipino has access to low-cost, quality rice amid rising living expenses.
According to the DA, the P20/kilo rice program aims to ease the financial burden of vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and minimum wage earners. Beneficiaries may purchase rice under the program by presenting a valid identification card.
The overwhelming turnout during the launch underscored the strong public demand for the program, which is expected to provide significant relief to Aklanons and serve as a model for rollout in other provinces./PN
