Dumaguete city: More than 7,000 minimum wage earners in Negros Oriental have benefited from the government’s PHP20 per kilogram rice program, as confirmed by an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
According to Philippines News Agency, the rollout of the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ in Negros Oriental began in June, with several business establishments participating. Nole Torres, DOLE-Negros Island Region (NIR) senior labor officer and focal person for the rice program, noted that the initiative marks a step towards fulfilling the President’s promise of affordable rice for minimum wage earners. This program specifically targets wage earners, while the Department of Agriculture addresses the needs of the indigent sector.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma participated in the distribution of government rice to 50 beneficiaries from four establishments in Dumaguete City at the DOLE-NIR office in Barangay Bajumpandan. The recipients included employees from Prime Retail Corporation, Dynamic Development Corporation, Luxe Prime Retail Corporation, and Superstore Retail Corporation.
The distribution effort continued the previous day in Tanjay City, where Laguesma also assisted in distributing rice to 50 sugar workers, showcasing the program’s outreach to different sectors. Torres emphasized that the rice subsidy program is not limited to indigents; workers from private establishments also qualify.
Under the scheme, employers buy rice at subsidized rates and provide it to workers, who then pay through salary deductions. Participating companies must submit employee lists to DOLE for verification before coordinating with Food Terminal, Inc. and the National Food Authority for processing.
The program has already been adopted by various sectors, including security agencies, the sugar industry, hotels, and resorts in the province. Torres urged more private firms to join the initiative, facilitating affordable rice access for employees and helping to reduce living costs.
“This program not only aids the workers but also boosts morale and ensures food security at the household level,” Torres added.
