P20/kilo rice program to expand nationwide

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced in his fourth State of the Nation Address that the P20 per kilo rice program, "Benteng Bigas Meron Na (BBM) Na," will be expanded nationwide.

He asserted that the program has proven achievable without hurting farmers' income, stating, "Napatunayan na natin na kaya na natin ang bente pesos sa bawat kilo ng bigas nang hindi malulugi ang ating mga magsasaka."

A budget of P113 billion has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture to support the nationwide rollout of the program through hundreds of Kadiwa stores and outlets.

These Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores will primarily serve vulnerable sectors, including indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners, allowing them to purchase rice at a subsidized rate.

President Marcos also warned traders manipulating rice prices, declaring, "Hahabulin namin kayo, dahil ang ginagawa niyo ay economic sabotage."