President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday addressed skepticism surrounding his administration’s ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ program, affirming that rice priced at an affordable P20 per kilo will soon be available across the country.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos asserted: “Napatunayan na natin na kaya na natin ang bente pesos sa bawat kilo ng bigas nang hindi malulugi ang ating mga magsasaka.”

(We have proven that we can afford the twenty peso per kilo of rice so that our farmers will not lose money.)

He highlighted the government’s commitment by announcing a budget allocation of P113 billion to bolster the Department of Agriculture’s efforts.

Using these funds, the administration will roll out the program nationwide through hundreds of Kadiwa stores and outlets situated in various local government units.

Marcos emphasized that “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” outlets have already been established in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, helping to provide affordable rice to vulnerable communities.

He noted that the Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores are specifically intended for sectors such as indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners, allowing them to purchase rice at a subsidized rate of P20 per kilo.

This initiative is part of the broader goal to ease the financial strain on Filipino households while maintaining income security for local farmers.

With the nationwide expansion underway, Marcos said Filipinos can expect more consistent access to affordable rice — a major step toward achieving food security and supporting social welfare under his administration.