Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday led the launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, the flagship food security program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that delivers rice at only P20 per kilo — a lifeline for the vulnerable sectors and a new market opportunity for Filipino farmers.
Speaking at the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry compound in Bago Oshiro, Secretary Tiu Laurel called the program “a real solution, not just a slogan,” as it combines social protection for consumers with economic support for local producers. “This isn’t just cheap rice — it’s rice born of compassion,” Tiu Laurel said. “Especially for our senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and transport workers.”
Backed by the KADIWA ng Pangulo, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), and the National Food Authority (NFA), the program is already available in over 376 sites across the country — from urban centers to far-flung rural communities — in partnership with LGUs, national agencies, and private sector groups. In the Davao Region alone, P20 rice is now being sold in Hagonoy, Digos, Bansalan, Mati, Panabo, Tagum, and key NFA and DA offices.
Beyond price relief, Benteng Bigas also ensures fair trade for farmers. For every kilo of P20 rice sold, the NFA can buy two kilos of palay at a fair price — linking food affordability with agricultural sustainability.
To farmers, the Secretary said, “You are not just growers of crops. You are cultivators of hope.” Tiu Laurel underscored that Benteng Bigas is key to building a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas —“where no Filipino is left behind and no stomach goes hungry.”
