Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public of the ongoing availability of PHP20-per-kilo rice through the 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na' program, with plans to open additional selling sites this month.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa stated in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas that the sale of aging but good-quality rice stocks is projected to remain feasible until 2028. The DA plans to establish more BBM Na sites across the country, expanding beyond the current 806 active locations.
The BBM Na program was launched on September 1 in Amulung, Cagayan, and Baao, Camarines Sur. The department is set to introduce PHP20 per kilo rice at three additional sites in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur, and Pe±ablanca, Cagayan. Further expansions are planned in Caraga, Davao Oriental; La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Sibulan, Negros Oriental; Irosin, Sorsogon; and Bacuag, Surigao del Norte next week.
This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to maintain government support for affordable rice for vulnerable sectors and other eligible beneficiaries. De Mesa confirmed the adequacy of rice supply, highlighting the upcoming procurement of palay by the National Food Authority (NFA) as the wet harvest season approaches.
As of Monday, the BBM Na program has sold at least 121,271 metric tons of rice, generating PHP2.4 billion in sales. Since its inception in May 2025, an estimated 12.1 million beneficiaries have accessed the affordable rice.
The DA emphasized that it does not require a significant increase in funding to sustain the subsidized rice program until the end of Marcos' term, despite rising farm input costs such as fertilizer and fuel. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel confirmed in a WhatsApp message to the Philippine News Agency that the PHP10 billion allocated for this year remains largely untapped, with a similar allocation planned for the next year.
Meanwhile, the DA is working to secure additional funding for fertilizer needs to support Filipino farmers in anticipation of the expected very strong El Ni±o.
