By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Not long after the opening of the 94th KADIWA stall at the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market in Bacoor, Cavite on July 2, the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) led the successful launch of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” program in the Visayan island province of Guimaras on Tuesday, July 8.
This development continues to build upon the momentum of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s food security initiative, which aims to bring quality and affordable staple grain to vulnerable sectors to the tables of Filipinos across the archipelago.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said in a statement, “We thank the province of Guimaras, led by Governor Ma. Lucille Nava, for supporting this affordable rice program. By making P20 rice accessible to financially-challenged consumers, the province is also helping rice farmers from other regions who supply this essential commodity.”
The provincial government has identified qualified beneficiaries, each of whom may purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per month. These recipients of the affordable rice initiative include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigent residents.
Distribution of the P20-per-kilo rice is carried out through KADIWA ng Pangulo centers and partner local government units (LGUs), which share the subsidy costs with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI).
This latest expansion of the administration’s flagship food program serves as a fulfillment of President Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise during the 2022 national elections.
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