MANILA, Philippines – Palalawakin ng Department of Agriculture (DA) ang programang “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” sa Metro Manila upang mas maging accessible ang murang bigas sa mga mahihirap at vulnerable na sektor.
Sa pahayag noong Huwebes, sinabi ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.: “The DA envisions establishing at least five P20 ‘Benteng Bigas’ outlets in every LGU (local government units) in Metro Manila.”
“Our goal is simple: bring affordable rice closer to our constituents and ensure vulnerable sectors are directly served. This expansion underscores our firm commitment to food security and to easing the financial burden on Filipino families,” dagdag ni Tiu Laurel.
Ayon naman kay DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) Director Junibert de Sagun, target ng ahensya ang full-scale expansion ng programa pagsapit ng katapusan ng Marso 2026 “to align with peak harvest flows and maximize supply availability.”
“Close coordination with LGUs and DA-FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) is critical to ensure efficient distribution and sustained supply of P20 rice,” ani de Sagun.
Sa pinalawak na pagpapatupad sa Metro Manila, bibigyang-prayoridad ang senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), mga benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), minimum wage earners, miyembro ng tricycle operators and drivers associations, mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at iba pang kwalipikadong grupo.
Noong Miyerkules, nagpulong ang DA ng isang Technical Working Group kasama ang Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at mga lokal na pamahalaan sa Metro Manila upang pabilisin at pag-isahin ang implementasyon ng programa. Nangako ang MMDA ng logistical at monitoring support.
“This is a shared responsibility,” ayon kay MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes.
“Affordable rice must reach as many Metro Manila families as possible,” dagdag ni Artes. RNT/MND
