Bacolod launches PHP20/kg rice program, targets vulnerable sectors

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced on Monday that the city government will begin selling newly milled rice from Negros Occidental at PHP20 per kilogram under the 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na' program starting June 5.

The initial budget for the program is PHP8 million, and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attended the launch on Thursday where he tasted the rice alongside city officials and local residents.

For the rollout, Bacolod City purchased 5,880 sacks of rice worth PHP7.971 million from the National Food Authority (NFA), with sales taking place at Burgos North Public Market, Central Market, Libertad South Public Market, and the Bacolod City Government Center.

Under the BBM Na program, eligible families can purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per week or a total of 40 kilograms monthly, initially targeting vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The Department of Agriculture aims to expand the PHP20-per-kg. rice program to include low- and low-middle-income families across various regions in the Philippines, with an overall target of reaching 60 million beneficiaries nationwide.