DA launches P20 per kilo rice program in Metro Manila on May 13

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will launch its "Benteng Bigas Mayroon (BBM) Na" program, offering rice at PHP20 per kilogram for vulnerable sectors in Metro Manila Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) centers on May 13.

This date was set after the midterm elections to avoid the perception of political use, as requested by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The program aims to benefit about 400,000 families in the National Capital Region (NCR), which translates to approximately 2 million individuals.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the Labor Day launch of the P20 Rice Project in Cebu City.

The succeeding roll-out in Metro Manila was temporarily put on hold.

On May 13, the P20-per-kg. rice will initially be available in Quezon City, as well as the cities of Pasay, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Caloocan, and Navotas through the DA's Kadiwa program.

These rice are aging stocks but have undergone quality control and are safe for consumption.