Benteng Bigas Meron Na Expands Nationwide
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is now accessible in 94 locations across the Philippines. This initiative offers aging but quality rice at PHP20 per kilogram, targeting vulnerable groups and minimum wage earners.
Since its launch, the program has sold approximately 542.18 metric tons of rice, amounting to PHP10.83 million in sales. It has benefited 63,473 households through Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets and other authorized selling points, local sources reported.
Benteng Bigas Meron Na Reaches More Communities
One of the recent milestones was the opening of a BBM Na KNP site at the Zapote public market in Bacoor, Cavite. This event was led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., emphasizing the government’s commitment to affordable rice access.
Currently, KNP stores, pop-up stalls, and partner retailers operate in Metro Manila and several provinces including Aurora, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Bacolod, Siquijor, and 37 locations in Cebu.
Moreover, 34 companies have joined the BBM program through a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), specifically catering to minimum wage earners nationwide.
During a press briefing, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa shared, “Doon naman sa DOLE na minimum wage earners, ang total sales nila is PHP2.8 million.” The DOLE aims to provide PHP20-per-kilogram rice to 120,000 minimum wage earners across the country.
Pricing and Market Stability Updates
Assistant Secretary De Mesa also addressed the pricing of imported rice, affirming that the agency will maintain the current maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for now. “Titingan iyong stability talaga ng situation bago ibalik iyong proposal na ibaba to PHP43 the MSRP for premium grade imported rice,” he explained, noting ongoing monitoring until next week.
In addition, De Mesa commented on recent oil price reductions amid the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating, “We’ll get advice from, of course, our DFA on the situation.”
As of now, the MSRP for imported rice remains at PHP45 per kilogram.
For more news and updates on rice programs and food security, visit Filipinokami.com.