GUIMARAS – The provincial government here officially launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” or P20 per kilo rice program on July 8, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6, the National Food Authority (NFA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI).
The ceremonial distribution was held at the Guimaras capitol grounds and marked a milestone in the province’s efforts to support vulnerable communities amid rising food costs.
Leading the activity were Gov. Lucille L. Nava, Cong. JC Rahman Nava, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Mechanization Engr. Roger V. Navarro, DA-6 Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, and NFA Regional Manager Jasmin Lintag.
The program offers subsidized rice at P20/kilo to qualified beneficiaries, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and indigent households. Each eligible family may purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per month.
“This initiative aims to benefit 15 million households nationwide, especially from the vulnerable sectors,” said Navarro, addressing concerns about the program’s sustainability. “There have been criticisms, particularly in Metro Manila, questioning whether this is viable long term. But the President himself has affirmed its sustainability.”
Navarro also emphasized that the subsidized rice allocation does not restrict beneficiaries from buying additional rice from the market, allowing flexibility in household consumption.
He urged local communities to support the program’s continuity by encouraging farmers to sell their harvest to the NFA, helping ensure sufficient stocks.
For her part, Lintag expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its full cooperation and assured the public of the program’s continuity.
“The P20/kilo rice will be available throughout the President’s term until 2028,” Lintag said. “Every grain of rice under this program is 100% locally produced — not imported. This is rice grown by our Filipino farmers for Filipino families.”
Meanwhile, Arpia reiterated the DA’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
“The Department of Agriculture has been instructed to provide the necessary technical support to farmers and stakeholders to keep this program running smoothly,” he said.
The launch in Guimaras is part of a broader national push to strengthen food security and ease the burden on marginalized families./PN
