Author: DA Press Office | 24 January 2026
KALIBO, Aklan (January 23, 2025)—The Department of Agriculture (DA), under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., has expanded the rollout of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” rice program in the Province of Aklan.Secretary Tiu Laurel said the expanded implementation is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to cushion consumers from rising food prices while strengthening food and nutrition security nationwide. With the expansion, the program is expected to benefit up to 85,000 individuals in Aklan, including minimum wage earners, farmers and fisherfolk, senior citizens, solo parents, 4Ps beneficiaries, persons with disabilities, and members of the transport sector.
The P20 Rice Program was first launched in Aklan last year, benefiting more than 22,000 households through close coordination between the DA–Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the Provincial Government. With the expanded rollout, the DA expects the program to reach more communities across the province. ### (Photos by Alan Jay Jacalan, AFID)
