MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental launched the Baratong Bugas para sa mga Misamisnon (BBM) Asenso Rice Program in selected municipalities of this province, aligning itself with the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, offering affordable rice at P43 per kilo, and support to local farmers.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal launched the BBM Asenso Rice Program in the towns of Jimenez, Aloran, and Sinacaban, the province’s information office told the DAily Tribune Friday, 17 January.

This initiative, carried out in collaboration with local officials, including Jimenez Mayor Joselito Chiong, Aloran Mayor Junipher Roa, and Sinacaban Mayor Dello Lood, as part of the national Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, an initiative that aims to make rice more accessible to local families while providing critical support to farmers.

The rice distribution in each town is set as follows: Jimenez town — 1,854 bags, Aloran town — 2,200 bags and Sinacaban town — 2,000 bags (each weighing five kg).

Residents can purchase the staple at the respective municipal halls during weekdays while supplies last.

Governor Oaminal emphasized that this launch marks a significant milestone, being the first such effort of its kind at this scale in Misamis Occidental, even as he commits to agricultural development and farmer welfare that is aligned with the province’s 5Ms Mantra: “Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon, ug Malipayon” (Peaceful, Prosperous and Happy Misamisnon).

Affordable rice

Winston Catane, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, expressed support to the initiative, saying, “the point of Governor Oaminal is that if we help develop our farmers, we must ensure that the benefits reach consumers through affordable rice.”

The provincial government has allocated P100 million in support of local farmers. This initiative aims to provide direct benefits to the agricultural sector, which has long been an essential part of the province’s economy.