DA to expand PHP20/kg rice program to 55 Kadiwa centers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to expand its "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na" program to at least 55 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers and stalls in Luzon by June, offering rice at PHP20 per kilogram.

Initially, 32 KNP sites in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces began selling the discounted rice on May 13, with 10 additional sites expected to join the program next week.

The initiative aims to provide affordable rice from the National Food Authority's (NFA) existing stock to vulnerable sectors, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned that the program is part of a three-phase implementation, with subsequent phases set for July and September.

The DA also intends to include areas in Mindanao in the future to make cheaper rice accessible to poor families.