The Department of Agriculture has intensified the rollout of its flagship rice access program, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!,” in Metro Manila, aiming to provide affordable rice to vulnerable and lower middle-income households.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., joined by San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes, led the capital region launch in San Juan City. Under the expansion plan, at least five P20-per-kilo rice outlets will be established in every local government unit in Metro Manila.

“We are not just opening a P20 rice outlet. We are opening more opportunities for every Filipino family to buy quality rice at an affordable price,” Tiu Laurel said. “This is not a promo. This is not a sale. This is a serious step toward food security, and a lifeline for those who need it badly.”

The initiative targets up to 60 million beneficiaries nationwide by the end of 2026. Priority groups include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, minimum wage earners, transport workers, farmers and fisherfolk.

Tiu Laurel urged eligible beneficiaries to register through the DA’s P20 mobile application, which is intended to streamline transactions and help ensure equitable rice distribution across outlets.

Mayor Zamora voiced support for the initiative and encouraged other local executives to facilitate its nationwide implementation.

The Metro Manila rollout coincides with the peak harvest season, allowing the DA to channel increased palay output through government-backed outlets. Officials said this strategy aims to keep consumer prices affordable while sustaining demand for local farmers’ produce.

Tiu Laurel noted that the program is being implemented in coordination with multiple agencies, including the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, Food Terminal Inc., the MMDA and participating local governments.

“Affordable rice should be consistently accessible to ordinary Filipinos,” he said, adding that the initiative is designed to support both consumers and farmers.

With additional outlets scheduled to open across Metro Manila and the provinces in the coming weeks, “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” is being positioned as a key component of the administration’s broader food security strategy.