The Department of Agriculture (DA) has broadened the reach of its flagship rice subsidy program, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” to La Union and Baguio City, reinforcing efforts to make affordable rice accessible while supporting local farmers and agri-cooperatives.

The expansion comes as the agency intensifies its push for food security and rural development, with the P20-per-kilo rice initiative now serving 162 locations nationwide.

Rolled out in partnership with local government units and farmer cooperatives, the program reached La Union on Tuesday and Baguio City on Wednesday – symbolically coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

In Baguio, a key tourism and investment center in Northern Luzon, the National Food Authority (NFA) and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) delivered 150 bags of rice to benefit 750 residents from vulnerable sectors. Meanwhile, Naguilian, La Union received 100 bags to aid 500 individuals.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program’s latest phase is part of the agency’s wider objective to reach half of the country’s population – around 15 million households – by 2026. The rice, priced at P20 per kilo, is sourced directly from local farmers through the NFA, ensuring not only affordable staples for consumers but also steady income and better pricing for producers.

The initiative, primarily implemented through KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets, also plays a logistical role by helping clear out NFA warehouses. For every sack of rice distributed, two bags of palay can be accommodated, giving farmers more opportunities to sell at rates higher than those offered by private traders.

DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, who leads the agency’s agribusiness and consumer affairs unit, emphasized the strategic significance of expanding into Northern Luzon. She underscored the government’s commitment to both social protection and agricultural sustainability, with more rollout sites anticipated in regions with high poverty incidence.