SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — The government’s most closely watched food-security pledge reached a new chapter today as the Department of Agriculture (DA) completed the nationwide rollout of its Benteng Bigas, Meron na! program — officially bringing P20-per-kilo rice to all 82 provinces of the Philippines.
The final launch, held in Maguindanao del Norte, marked the substantial completion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship commitment to make affordable, nutritious rice accessible to every Filipino family. For many communities, especially those in remote and conflict-affected areas, the arrival of P20 rice signals a major shift in daily household affordability and food stability.
“This is about uplifting every Filipino, boosting local production, and ensuring no one — regardless of culture or religion — is left behind in our nation’s progress,” said Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, emphasizing the program’s role in strengthening inclusion and resilience.
The P20 rollout in the towns of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, Sultan Kudarat, and Sultan Mastura expands access to affordable rice in geographically challenged areas. It also reflects stronger cooperation between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in creating livelihood opportunities and reinforcing agricultural value chains across the region.
Guevarra highlighted the collective effort behind the initiative: “The fulfillment of the P20 rice project would not have been possible without the unified action and collaboration of various government agencies.”
Nationwide, the DA has established 429 sites of P20 forming a broader, more resilient distribution network for affordable staples. By next year, the department aims to reach 15 million households, signaling a push toward deeper market penetration and stronger farmer support in 2026.
With all provinces now covered, the P20 rice program stands as one of the administration’s most ambitious food-security undertakings. The next phase centers on sustaining supply, strengthening production, and ensuring that affordable rice continues arriving steadily on the tables of Filipino families — no matter where they live. ### (By DA – OSEC Comms & photo by Joseph Henry Elamparo, AFID)
