DA launches BBM in 94 locations, benefits 63K households

The Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM Na)' is now available in 94 locations across the country.

As of June 23, about 542.18 metric tons of rice have been sold at PHP20 per kg., benefiting around 63,473 households.

The initiative includes KNP outlets and partner retailers operating in various regions such as Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Bacolod, Siquijor, and Cebu.

At least 34 companies have joined the BBM sale under a partnership between the DA and DOLE for minimum wage earners.

The total sales for DOLE's minimum wage earners is PHP2.8 million, with an aim to sell PHP20-per-kg rice to 120,000 nationwide.

Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa stated that the agency would not yet reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on imported rice until they assess the stability of the situation.