Marcos eyes nationwide 'Benteng Bigas' program

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s goal of making rice available to the public nationwide at ₱20 per kilo, as part of the government's broader effort to strengthen the country’s food security program.

“Hopefully, we will bring it up to the point that ‘bigas for all,’ it will all be 20 pesos,” Marcos said in his recent podcast episode.

Marcos noted that his administration is expanding the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program to provide quality and affordable rice to more communities through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores currently offer Benteng Bigas to members of vulnerable sectors, including indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners.

Marcos said the national government may eventually shoulder the full cost of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program, potentially removing the need for financial contributions from local government units (LGUs).

"As of now, we are in partnership with the LGUs. Eventually, I’m looking at a proposal na next year, wala ng kontribusyon ang LGU. Ang kontribusyon lahat sa national government,” he said.

Currently, Kadiwa stores can provide rice priced at ₱20 per kilo, sufficient to meet the needs of 51% of the population, according to the Chief Executive.

Marcos added that eventually, the regular retail price of rice will be reduced to ₱20 per kilo for all consumers.

The President likewise highlighted that record-high palay harvests in 2023, 2024, and likely this year are helping to drive rice prices down, making the ₱20 per kilo target more feasible.