Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday led the launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, the flagship food security program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that delivers rice at only P20 per kilo — a lifeline for vulnerable sectors and a new market opportunity for Filipino farmers.
Backed by KADIWA ng Pangulo, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), and the National Food Authority (NFA), the program is already available in over 376 sites across the country — from urban centers to far-flung rural communities — in partnership with LGUs, national agencies, and private sector groups.
In the Davao Region alone, P20 rice is now being sold in Hagonoy, Digos, Bansalan, Mati, Panabo, Tagum, and key NFA and DA offices.
Beyond price relief, Benteng Bigas also ensures fair trade for farmers. For every kilo of P20 rice sold, the NFA can buy two kilos of palay at a fair price — linking food affordability with agricultural sustainability. ### (Photos by Maica Javier, DA-OSEC Comms)
