By Helen Castaño | 03:40 PM September 05, 2025
BIEN UNIDO, Bohol — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today, Sept. 5, led the official launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” in Bien Unido, Bohol, making P20-per-kilo rice accessible to thousands of qualified beneficiaries.
Implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the flagship initiative fulfills the President’s commitment to deliver affordable rice to Filipino households, particularly the most vulnerable sectors.
The initial rollout in Bien Unido benefits 2,700 residents, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, farmers, fisherfolk, and minimum wage earners.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. also turned over agricultural inputs and equipment to local farmers and fisherfolk during the event, underscoring the DA’s dual mission of empowering producers and ensuring affordable food for consumers.
To date, the P20-rice program has been launched in 223 sites nationwide, steadily advancing the President’s vision of affordable rice for all.
“This program delivers on President Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to make rice available at P20 per kilo, easing the burden on financially challenged Filipinos,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said. “The ongoing rollout reflects the President’s directive to reach up to 15 million households by next year, with sustained implementation until 2028.”
DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Atty. Bebang Velicaria-Guevarra, who also heads the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination in scaling up the initiative. She noted the DA’s close collaboration with the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), the National Food Authority (NFA), and local government units (LGUs) to ensure smooth operations.
“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. “Every rollout brings us closer to a food-secure Philippines where no Filipino goes hungry.”
On September 16, the program will be expanded to cover public transport drivers, starting with 4,000 registered jeepney and tricycle drivers in Navotas City. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend coverage to tens of thousands more drivers nationwide. With reports from DA 7
