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LAOAG CITY – At least 265 minimum wage earners in Ilocos Norte were the first to avail of ₱20-per-kilo rice during the launch of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program on Thursday.

Janelyn Martin, head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the province, confirmed the initial rollout, noting that the program is a joint initiative of DOLE, the Department of Agriculture, National Food Authority (NFA), Food Terminal Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Ilocos Norte and Laoag City chapters.

“Each employee can avail of up to 10 kilos per month,” Martin said, adding that 19 local establishments have already registered their employees for the program.

PCCI member JC Salvador welcomed the initiative, saying it would provide meaningful relief to low-income workers.
“This aims to ease the burden of rice expenses among our hardworking employees earning minimum wage. It’s a simple yet impactful step in supporting their daily needs,” Salvador said.

NFA-Ilocos Norte manager Jonathan Corpuz assured the public of sufficient stockpiles for the program.
“We have enough supply in our warehouses, and with ongoing milling and procurement, stocks will continue to increase,” Corpuz said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, announced that the ₱20/kg rice initiative will soon be implemented nationwide.

NPO News Team

PNA-PR