12M Filipinos now getting P20 rice, DA says

More than 12 million Filipinos have already benefited from the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program, with the Department of Agriculture aiming to expand its reach to even more low-income families before the end of the year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program is now available in around 800 outlets nationwide and is expected to grow to 1,500 outlets by year-end to make affordable rice more accessible.

“Ang target natin ay yung mga lower income lalo na ang mga PWD, 4Ps, single parents at seniors. Target natin is 15 million households,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA is also doubling the monthly distribution of P20 rice from up to 20,000 metric tons to 40,000 metric tons by December.

Despite the effects of El Niño, Tiu Laurel assured the public there is enough food supply. “Marami naman tayong supply, ample, walang cause for any alarm, we are food secure,” he said.IMT