The Department of Agriculture (DA) has started selling rice at P20 per kilo directly in barangays in Davao City, beginning in Barangay Matina Crossing.
The rollout is part of the government’s “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program, a key food initiative of the Marcos administration. The launch was led by DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, together with local barangay officials and representatives from Food Terminal Inc. and the National Food Authority (NFA).
After Matina Crossing, the rice distribution was also extended to Barangay Tungkalan in Toril District as part of the citywide expansion.
Guevarra said strong support from local governments is important to make sure the subsidized rice reaches those who need it most. These include indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, minimum wage earners, and solo parents.
She said the DA is using the P20 Benteng Bigas Masterlist Registry System, an online list of beneficiaries, to speed up validation and make the process more organized.
According to the DA, NFA warehouses are currently full of rice stocks. By speeding up distribution at the barangay level, the agency can clear warehouse space and continue buying palay from local farmers. The program aims to help both rice farmers and low-income consumers.
Barangay officials in Matina Crossing said they will prioritize vulnerable and low-income households among their nearly 44,000 residents.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the program fulfills President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s promise to lower food prices, especially rice, for Filipino families.
The DA aims to expand the program nationwide and reach up to 60 million Filipinos this year. Officials said they plan to continue the program until the end of the President’s term in June 2028.
Several other barangays in Davao City have expressed interest in joining the P20 rice initiative.
