BIEN UNIDO, Bohol — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the official launch in this town today of his flagship food program, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, an initiative that makes the P20-per-kilo rice available to thousands of qualified beneficiaries. This flagship initiative of President Marcos carried out by the Department of Agriculture is a key step toward delivering affordable food to every Filipino household.
The initial rollout benefits 2,700 residents, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), 4Ps beneficiaries, farmers, fisherfolk, and minimum wage earners.
In addition to the rice distribution, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel led the turnover of agricultural inputs and equipment to local farmers and fisherfolk, highlighting the DA’s dual commitment to empowering food producers and ensuring consumers have access to nutritious and affordable staples.
To date, the DA has launched the P20 rice program in 223 sites nationwide, steadily bringing President Marcos’ vision of affordable rice closer to reality.
“This program delivers on President Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to make rice available at P20 per kilo, easing the burden of financially challenged Filipinos,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel. “The ongoing rollout reflects the President’s directive to reach up to 15 million households by next year, with sustained implementation until the end of his term in 2028.”
Assistant secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Bebang Velicaria-Guevarra, who leads the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination in accelerating the program’s expansion. She noted the DA is working closely with the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), the National Food Authority (NFA), and local government units to ensure smooth implementation.
“Under Secretary Tiu Laurel’s leadership, the DA is committed not only to easing the burden on vulnerable communities but also to strengthening the livelihoods of our farmers and fisherfolk,” she said. “Each rollout brings us closer to a food-secure Philippines, where no Filipino goes hungry.”
On September 16, the P20 rice program will be extended to include public transport drivers. The initial phase will cover 4,000 registered jeepney and tricycle drivers in Navotas City. Secretary Tiu Laurel has also sought the support of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help expand coverage to tens of thousands more drivers nationwide.
