‘Benteng Bigas’ targets 14-M Filipinos by Sept.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to expand the pilot implementation of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s flagship P20 per kilo rice program to reach 14 million Filipinos by September.

In a press briefing held Wednesday in Quezon City, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa and National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson provided updates on the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” initiative, emphasizing the phased nationwide rollout of the affordable rice program under the Kadiwa ng Pangulonetwork.

“This program was initially launched on 1 May but was temporarily paused due to the Commission on Elections’ restrictions,” De Mesa explained. 

“Right after the elections on 13 May, we resumed the rollout across 12 Kadiwa sites. By 15 May, 20 more public markets and Kadiwa locations were added. We are now operating in 34 locations.”

Focus on poor regions

He added that the second phase, set to begin in July, will focus on poverty-stricken areas in Mindanao, including Zamboanga del Norte, where poverty incidence is reported at 37.7 percent. Other areas on the list include Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Sorsogon.

The third phase, launching in September, will expand to Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani and Dinagat Islands.

NFA Administrator Larry Lacson assured the public of sufficient rice stocks to support the expanded rollout.

“Our current buffer stock stands at 409,000 metric tons of milled rice, equivalent to 1.187 million bags. Almost 1.4 million bags are already milled, with the rest in palay form and currently being processed,” Lacson said. 

“At this rate, our supply is projected to last through December 2025, possibly longer depending on the wet season harvest, which typically contributes 60 percent of annual yield.”

The P20 rice is made available through Kadiwa centers, where vulnerable sectors — including indigents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents — can purchase up to 30 kilos per household. 

The government subsidizes rice through Food Terminal Inc. Local government units determine eligibility and distribution for programs co-funded by them.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier announced that the DA is preparing to sustain the program until the end of President Marcos’ term in June 2028, aiming to benefit up to 60 million Filipinos.