Ilocos norte: The National Food Authority (NFA) in Ilocos Norte has confirmed the availability of sufficient rice supply to support the PHP20 per kilogram rice program as part of the Department of Agriculture's Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) initiative.

According to Philippines News Agency, Engr. Jonathan Corpuz, manager of NFA Ilocos Norte, announced that the province currently has over 41,000 sacks of well-milled rice and 36,264 sacks of 'palay' or unhusked rice stored in its warehouses. These stocks are deemed more than adequate to maintain the PHP20 per kilogram rice program.

As of March, the NFA Ilocos Norte has distributed approximately 1,200 sacks of rice to Food Terminal Incorporated to facilitate the BBM rice program. The program allows rice procured by FTI from the NFA to be sold at a subsidized rate of PHP20 per kilo to specific beneficiaries, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Local residents like Artemio Ruiz from Barangay 38-A Mangato have expressed their gratitude for the BBM rice program, citing the significant cost savings. Ruiz noted the stark difference in price, comparing his previous purchase of 5 kilos of rice at PHP299 to the current subsidized rate.