News Details

Affordable Rice Program Rolls Out in Davao City, Bringing PHP20-Per-Kilo Rice to Low-Income Families

NPO

•

October 26, 2025

DAVAO CITY – Thousands of low-income residents in Davao City can now purchase rice for only PHP20 per kilo as the government officially launched the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” or BBM Na program on Friday.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the ceremonial rollout at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) office, marking another milestone in the government’s effort to make affordable rice accessible to every Filipino household.

According to Laurel, the initial phase prioritizes beneficiaries accredited by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)—a targeted approach used during earlier launches in other regions.

“For now, rice will be distributed at the BPI office, but our next step is to bring it closer to communities through municipal and barangay halls, as well as public markets,” Laurel said.

He also assured that by January next year, the program will expand to include the lower middle-income sector, eventually reaching around 15 million households nationwide.

The BBM Na initiative, slated to run until 2028, fulfills President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to make rice more affordable for all Filipinos while ensuring food security and price stability.

Laurel further emphasized that the National Food Authority (NFA) has secured sufficient buffer stocks to maintain the program’s long-term sustainability.

Residents in Davao City expressed heartfelt gratitude for the government’s intervention.

“I’m very happy that we were able to buy this rice,” said Marites Brigole, one of the beneficiaries. “Thank you, President Marcos, for making this possible.”

Senior citizen Wowie Rodrigo also shared his appreciation:

“This is a big help for senior citizens like us. I hope this program continues because it really eases our daily burden.”

The BBM Na rollout in Davao City reflects the administration’s continuing push to bring relief to Filipino families amid rising living costs — ensuring that every household can put rice on the table.

NPO News Team | PNA-PR