DA Rolls Out Wider ‘Benteng Bigas Meron’ Program Across Metro Manila
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) formally launched the expansion of its “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” initiative in San Juan on Friday, marking the start of a broader rollout across the National Capital Region.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. joined San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Romando Artes in leading the kickoff ceremony.
The expansion plan seeks to establish at least five BBM Na rice outlets in every local government unit across Metro Manila, significantly widening access to PHP20-per-kilo rice.
“We are opening more opportunities for every Filipino family to buy quality rice at an affordable price. This is not a promo. This is not a sale. This is a serious step toward food security, and a lifeline for those who need it badly,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement.
The PHP20 rice initiative prioritizes senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, minimum wage earners, transport workers, farmers, and fisherfolk—sectors considered most vulnerable to rising food prices.
The DA estimates that at least 60 million lower-middle-income and vulnerable Filipinos nationwide could benefit from the program by year-end.
Zamora pledged full backing for the expanded rollout and called on fellow local chief executives to support the program’s implementation in their respective areas.
Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel encouraged qualified beneficiaries to sign up through the DA’s P20 mobile application to streamline transactions and improve monitoring.
“The P20 app will not only help speed up transactions, but it will also assist the DA in making the food program more equitable and ensuring a steady supply where it is needed,” he said.
The DA noted that the Metro Manila expansion aligns with a synchronized supply strategy timed with the peak harvest season, when palay production is expected to rise. By distributing rice through government-supported outlets, the agency aims to stabilize retail prices while sustaining demand for locally produced rice.
NPO News Team | PNA-PR
