By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took note of the significant strides made by the Philippine government in bringing rice prices down and making it more affordable and accessible to the masses through the administration’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program.
In his vlog uploaded on social media this Sunday, July 6, he reaffirmed his commitment towards keeping the P20/kg rice program alive, quashing unfounded speculations about his fulfilled campaign promise during the 2022 national elections.
“P20 rice is here to stay. It is achievable; it is sustainable. Kaya abangan niyo [ito] in your nearest public markets,” President Marcos said vis-à-vis reminding newly appointed national and local officials of their duty as public servants.
The affordable rice initiative is currently available to vulnerable sectors through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets nationwide, providing quality staple grain to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent families, and minimum wage earners at an attainable price.
On July 2, President Marcos graced the launch of the “BBM Na” program at the Zapote Public Market in Bacoor, Cavite, rounding up the tally of available sites for the ‘benteng bigas’ initiative across the country to 94 outlets as of press time.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive provided reassurance that farmers would continue to profit from their venture with the government under the P20/kg rice program, citing that the National Food Authority (NFA) has set a minimum buying price that would not be affected by the volatility of rice prices in the market.
“Kahit ano pa ang maging presyo ng bigas, hindi po bababa dito ang pagbili ng NFA sa palay mula sa ating mga magsasaka,” he declared.
President Marcos also recalled his visit to Nueva Ecija, the country’s ‘rice granary’, on June 30, where he engaged in a dialogue with the champions of the 50th Gawad Saka Awards, led the inauguration of a rice processing facility, and facilitated the turnover of farm machinery to 17 farmers’ cooperatives and associations in the city of Muñoz.
At the same event, he also showed 16 Mobile Soil Laboratory units that will be distributed across the country, which he cites as an example of using modern technology in enticing Filipino youth to consider farming among the roster of career choices that were available to them.
“Sapat na supply at masustansyang pagkain—‘yan ang magiging ani ng isang matibay na sistemang agrikultural, kaya natin ito pinagbubuhusan ng pansin,” the President concluded in his vlog.
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