The National Food Authority (NFA) on Sunday expressed optimism over the progress of its “Murang Bigas” or Rice for All program, citing strong uptake in various parts of the country.

In a radio interview, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the program is performing particularly well in Cebu, where six municipalities have already withdrawn supplies.

So far, about 12,000 bags of rice have been distributed in the province, with reorders expected soon. Newly appointed local officials have also committed to supporting the program’s expansion.

In Metro Manila, over 5,000 bags of rice have been delivered to around 32 Kadiwa outlets, with the number of participating stores expected to rise to 55 next month.

Phase two of the Bente Bigas initiative — named for its P20-per-kilo rice target — will launch in July, targeting areas with high poverty incidence. These include Zamboanga del Norte, where the poverty rate stands at 37.7 percent, as well as Basilan, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Sorsogon.

Phase three will follow in September, covering Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Catanduanes, Agusan del Sur, Sarangani and Dinagat Islands.

The first phase is already ongoing in parts of the Negros Island Region and throughout Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas.

Lacson said around 1.4 million bags of rice are currently available nationwide. He also assured the public that the NFA will continue to procure palay (unhusked rice) directly from local farmers.

From January to the present, the agency has purchased 4.6 million bags of palay—exceeding its target of 3.6 million for the period. With continued procurement and rollout, Lacson said the NFA is confident it can sustain the low-cost rice supply until December.