DOLE expands subsidized rice program for MWEs

On Monday, over 1,000 minimum wage earners across three provinces in the Davao region received subsidized rice as part of the government's 'Benteng Bigas Meron' program.

The initiative was further expanded to include an additional 200 MWEs in Malita town, Davao Occidental, on Wednesday with a launch event held at the Malita Rural Workers Agrarian Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MARWABEMPCO).

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 11 Provincial Head Paul Cruz emphasized that this PHP20 per kg subsidized rice program is a flagship initiative aimed at softening the impact of inflation on workers.

Each beneficiary from MARWABEMPCO received 10 kilograms of well-milled National Food Authority rice, marking a proactive step in supporting economic resilience amid rising prices.

The DOLE's commitment to improving welfare for minimum wage earners continues with planned rollouts across more areas in the coming months.