DA expands P20/kilo rice program to transport workers, teachers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is expanding its "Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!" program to provide rice at P20 per kilo, beginning distribution to jeepney and tricycle drivers and other transport workers.

Public school teachers and non-teaching personnel will be covered by the program starting October 15.

The DA is coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to prepare for this new phase, aiming to cover the approximately 800,000 teachers and non-teaching staff.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that all school personnel may be covered depending on their salary grade.

The program is already operational in various regions with over 253 outlets, excluding Kadiwa stores, and will further expand with the addition of 130 NFA warehouses and outlets.

The program simultaneously kicked off in Navotas City, Cebu City, Tagum City, and Angeles City, Pampanga, initially reaching 57,000 beneficiaries.

The DA is targeting to cover 15 million households, or about 60 million Filipinos, by the end of 2026, with the program sustained through June 2028.