Laoag: More residents in Ilocos Norte province continue to avail themselves of cheaper rice at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in this city. Facilitated by Food Terminal Inc., an average of 200 individuals, mostly minimum wage earners and senior citizens, line up daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the Laoag NFA warehouse to buy rice at PHP20 per kilo.

According to Philippines News Agency, NFA Laoag warehouse supervisor Emily Corpuz stated that at least 7,530 sacks of rice have been issued to Food Terminal Inc. since the start of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Ilocos Norte. "We started on Aug. 20, 2025, and we had the authority to issue a total of 7,530 sacks at 50 kilos each so far," said Corpuz in an interview.

Corpuz further mentioned that the latest issue includes 3,000 sacks, which are currently being sold by the Food Terminal Inc. in front of the Laoag NFA warehouse until supply lasts. The food agency reaffirmed that it has ample buffer stocks to support the PHP20-per-kilogram rice program.

The Department of Agriculture, through the NFA, is expanding access to affordable rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM Na) program, an initiative meant to cushion the impact of increasing food and transport costs while strengthening support for rice farmers. Under the program, Food Terminal Inc. sells rice procured from the NFA at PHP20 per kilo to target beneficiaries, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program members.

"We hope the BBM Na rice program will remain accessible nationwide. It's a big relief for us because rice remains our staple food," said Randel Amigo, a trike driver from Laoag City, who recently availed of the affordable rice.