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MANILA, Philippines — The government is pushing food affordability to every corner of the country as the Department of Agriculture reaffirmed that no province will be excluded from the ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program.

The assurance came as the program officially reached Tawi-Tawi, marking a major milestone in the nationwide rollout aligned with the food security vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

Bringing Affordable Rice Where It’s Needed Most

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the expansion to Tawi-Tawi is especially crucial since the province has no local rice production and relies heavily on shipments from other regions.

“Even though our islands are far apart and distant from trade centers, the President’s directive is clear — no province will be forgotten and no Filipino will be left behind,” she emphasized.

The move ensures that geographically isolated communities are no longer priced out of one of the country’s most essential food staples.

Strong Local Support for the Program

Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali warmly welcomed the arrival of the BBM Na program, highlighting its immediate impact on struggling households.

“The Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi fully supports the ₱20 Benteng Bigas program. This is a huge help for our people, especially families who need it most,” he said.

With the province’s economy centered on fishing and seaweed farming, access to affordable rice has long been a challenge — making the program a game-changer for daily living costs.

Thousands Set to Benefit

Under the initiative, around 25,000 beneficiaries in Tawi-Tawi are expected to gain access to quality rice at just ₱20 per kilo.

These include:

• Fisherfolk and seaweed farmers

• Low-income households

• Members of vulnerable sectors

Officials say the program directly strengthens nutrition, eases household expenses, and supports economic stability in remote communities.

A Nationwide Food Security Push

DA officials stressed that Tawi-Tawi’s inclusion reflects the government’s broader commitment to ensure sufficient, affordable, and quality rice for every Filipino family — regardless of location.

From urban centers to island provinces, BBM Na is designed to narrow inequality in food access while protecting consumers from rising prices.