By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Cognizant of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure food security amid the current situation, the Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to double down on expanding the coverage of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” Program.
This, as the affordable rice initiative lands in the province of Capiz, coincides with the 125th founding anniversary of the Visayan province celebrated through the Capiztahan Festival.
Around 1,000 beneficiaries from priority sectors received subsidized rice during the initial rollout, marking a significant step in expanding access to affordable staples at the local level.
Such ensures that common folk continue to have access to quality yet affordable staple grain, which provides sustenance and helps in driving down incidents of hunger across the country.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in an emphasized statement, “At a time when global supply disruptions and price volatility continue to challenge food systems, we must decisively pursue President Marcos’ flagship food security programs.
The P20 rice project is not merely a subsidy—it is a strategic intervention to stabilize prices, protect vulnerable households, and guarantee a reliable market for our farmers. We cannot afford to slow down.”
The rollout also highlights the PLGU-led expansion model, encouraging local governments to take ownership in scaling distribution across municipalities. As of press time, the program has reached 661 sites nationwide and benefited more than six million Filipinos, underscoring its growing reach and impact.
To support efficient implementation, the DA has introduced the P20 Benteng Bigas Masterlist Registry System, which uses QR codes to ensure accurate beneficiary identification, monitoring, and transparency.
The aggressive nationwide rollout of the program seeks to help the vulnerable sectors, especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households, senior citizens, fisherfolk, transport sector workers, and minimum-wage earners, navigate these challenging circumstances.
The program will run until the end of President Marcos Jr.’s term in June 2028, with a target of reaching 60 million Filipinos by the end of the year.
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