The Benteng Bigas Meron Na program has reached the province of Bataan, providing beneficiaries with P20-per-kilo rice at the National Food Authority (NFA) Bataan Warehouse in Balanga City from October to December 2025.

According to NFA Pampanga Acting Branch Manager Ferdinand Macusi, the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program is a thrust of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which aims to strengthen food security and help communities cope with rising prices of commodities.

He added that the rice distribution is led by Food Terminal Inc., while the NFA will provide the rice to be sold for the program, which will be sourced from local farmers.

He cited that eligible beneficiaries include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigent households such as 4Ps beneficiaries, rice farmers, fisherfolk, and jeepney and tricycle drivers.

Under the guidelines, senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, indigent households, and jeepney and tricycle drivers may purchase 30 kilos of NFA rice per month, with a maximum of 10 kilos per transaction.

Fisherfolk may buy 10 kilos per month, while rice farmers and rice workers are entitled to a maximum of 50 kilos for the entire duration of the program until December.

Beneficiaries are required to present valid identification upon purchase, depending on their sector.

Senior citizens must show an Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs ID, while solo parents must present an ID issued by the local government unit’s (LGU) Social Welfare and Development Office.

PWDs and indigent households may present a PWD ID issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a Persons with Disability Affairs Office-issued ID, a 4Ps ID, or a DSWD certification.

Jeepney drivers must present an LTFRB-issued driver’s ID or a franchise-based ID endorsed by the local transport cooperative, while tricycle drivers must show a Tricycle Operator’s Permit with an LGU-issued driver’s ID.

Rice farmers and rice workers must present a Farmer’s ID from a DA-accredited agency or proof of registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, while fisherfolk must present an ID or certification from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or their LGU.

The initiative reinforces the government’s broader vision of ensuring that every Filipino family has consistent access to affordable and nutritious food.