Bacolod City: Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced that the city government will launch a program to sell rice at PHP20 per kilo starting June 5, with an initial budget allocation of PHP8 million. The initiative, known as ‘Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na’, aims to alleviate the burden of high food prices on residents.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is expected to attend the launching event. The program will be closely coordinated with the National Food Authority (NFA) to ensure proper distribution. Mayor Benitez mentioned that the NFA’s warehouse currently holds an inventory of approximately 9,000 sacks of rice, all of which will be utilized for this initiative. The city plans to adhere to the NFA’s guidelines for distribution.

Under the ‘BBM Na’ program, each family can purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per week, amounting to a total of 40 kilograms per month. Initially, the program targets vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The Department of Agriculture previously stated its aspirations to broaden the program’s reach to include low- and low-middle-income families, potentially benefiting 15 million households or 60 million Filipinos nationwide. The first phase of the program will focus on regions such as Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental, as well as other provinces including Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Bohol, Antique, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Biliran, Guimaras, Siquijor, Aklan, and Mindoro.