Benteng Bigas Meron Na Program Provides Affordable Rice
ILOILO CITY — The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is set to bring affordable rice at only P20 per kilogram to Guimaras starting July 8. This initiative will initially benefit around 1,000 poor and vulnerable households in the province.
Guimaras Provincial Agriculturist Alvin Nava shared that they are finalizing the program’s details but expect to start with 1,000 beneficiaries during the launch. “It’s only a maximum of 10 kilos per beneficiary,” Nava said in a phone interview.
The provincial government recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Food Terminal Inc. for the purchase of 5,000 bags of rice from the National Food Authority. The program aims to help approximately 25,000 households across Guimaras.
Program Rollout and Subsidy Details
“NFA Guimaras is currently preparing 1,000 bags at its warehouse,” Nava added. After the initial rollout, the provincial government plans to position the low-cost rice in every municipality to ensure easy access for the target beneficiaries.
The province allocated P1.6 million for its share of the subsidy, covering P6.50 per kilogram. Meanwhile, the national government will shoulder the remaining subsidy to bring the rice price down to P20 per kilogram under a cost-sharing scheme.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Support
According to local leaders, Governor Ma. Lucille Nava intends to pool funds from various offices, not just the governor’s office, to sustain the program long-term. While the priority is to assist vulnerable sectors, the governor hopes to extend the program’s benefits to all residents if possible.
The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program continues to expand, following its successful launch in Cebu earlier this year. Its focus remains on ensuring affordable staple food for the most in need.
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