TACLOBAN CITY — Rice priced at P20 per kilo is now available in all three provinces of Samar following the inclusion of Eastern Samar in the government’s subsidized rice distribution beginning December 15, completing the rollout of the food security initiative across the island.
The program, “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” was launched by provincial local government units in Samar on December 4, Northern Samar on December 8, and Eastern Samar on December 15. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s push to make affordable rice accessible to economically vulnerable households, particularly during the holiday season.
The P20-per-kilo rice is also being offered under the banner “Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo”, making low-cost rice available not only in the three Samar provinces but also in nearby Leyte.
According to the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8), the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is implemented through several modalities, including provincial government-led distribution, partner agency initiatives, and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. Accredited farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) serve as partner outlets to ensure wider reach at the community level.
The confirmation came from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-RFO 8 during the final provincial launch held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, on Monday, December 15.
In each provincial rollout, about 400 bags of locally sourced rice were made available to some 2,000 household beneficiaries. Each household was allowed to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice at the subsidized price of P20 per kilo.
Francis Rosaroso, head of AMAD-DA 8, said the availability of P20-per-kilo rice will now be sustained beyond scheduled Kadiwa activities.
“From Monday to Friday, the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses are open for walk-in buyers,” Rosaroso said. He explained that while the program initially targeted Rice Business Subsidy Assistance (RSBSA)-registered farmers cultivating two hectares or less, it has now been expanded to include other vulnerable sectors.
He added that some farmers’ cooperatives and associations are also selling theP20 rice, though not on a daily basis. “All of them are authorized to sell P20 rice,” he said.
Provincial local government units in the three Samar provinces have likewise joined FCAs in selling the subsidized rice. However, Rosaroso noted that the withdrawal of rice stocks by LGUs depends on how quickly they can liquidate previous allocations.
With Eastern Samar now on board, officials said the full rollout across Samar is expected to ease the burden of rising food costs on low-income families, especially as demand increases during the Christmas season.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
