REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
'Benteng Bigas Meron Na!' Rolls Out In Iloilo City: Php 20 Rice Now Within Reach For Minimum Wage Earners
Photo credit: Department of Agriculture - Western Visayas
Affordable rice is no longer just a campaign promise—it’s now a reality, at least for minimum wage earners in Western Visayas.
On June 13, the government formally launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” project in Iloilo City, bringing Php 20 per kilo rice to eligible low-income workers. The launch was held at the National Food Authority (NFA) Region 6 Compound in Jaro, led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas.
This initiative offers significant relief for many Filipinos feeling the weight of rising food prices. Through the program, qualified workers can buy up to 10 kilograms of rice per month at the subsidized price of Php 20 per kilo—less than half the cost of commercial rice in most markets today.
The subsidy is made possible through the Department of Agriculture’s Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI), which is funding the price difference to ensure that rice remains accessible to those who need it most.
The project is part of the government’s broader strategy to address food insecurity while supporting wage earners who often find themselves stretched thin between bills, transport, and daily meals. For many families in the region, this could mean more consistent access to a staple food—without sacrificing other essentials.
As the project rolls out in Iloilo, officials hope this marks the beginning of wider implementation across the country, especially in areas where food inflation continues to pinch household budgets.
While the Php 20 rice remains a limited subsidy for now, the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” campaign signals a concrete step toward fulfilling a long-standing promise—and possibly reshaping how the government responds to the everyday struggles of Filipino workers.
On June 13, the government formally launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” project in Iloilo City, bringing Php 20 per kilo rice to eligible low-income workers. The launch was held at the National Food Authority (NFA) Region 6 Compound in Jaro, led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas.
This initiative offers significant relief for many Filipinos feeling the weight of rising food prices. Through the program, qualified workers can buy up to 10 kilograms of rice per month at the subsidized price of Php 20 per kilo—less than half the cost of commercial rice in most markets today.
The subsidy is made possible through the Department of Agriculture’s Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI), which is funding the price difference to ensure that rice remains accessible to those who need it most.
The project is part of the government’s broader strategy to address food insecurity while supporting wage earners who often find themselves stretched thin between bills, transport, and daily meals. For many families in the region, this could mean more consistent access to a staple food—without sacrificing other essentials.
As the project rolls out in Iloilo, officials hope this marks the beginning of wider implementation across the country, especially in areas where food inflation continues to pinch household budgets.
While the Php 20 rice remains a limited subsidy for now, the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” campaign signals a concrete step toward fulfilling a long-standing promise—and possibly reshaping how the government responds to the everyday struggles of Filipino workers.
Jun 13, 2025
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