Relief may soon be at hand for rice consumers in Iloilo City as the local government earmarked ₱500,000 to jumpstart the Marcos administration’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” (BBM) ₱20-per-kilo rice program.
The subsidy, approved under Supplemental Budget No. 2 worth ₱125.02 million, will cover the city’s ₱6.50 per kilo share to make the low-cost rice accessible through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Merkado Lokal outlets.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who endorsed the measure to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said the initiative is meant to ease the financial strain of soaring rice prices on ordinary families.
“This is direct relief for our consumers. By working with Food Terminal Inc., we can bring affordable rice to Iloilo households faster,” she said.
The city government is now preparing to seal an agreement with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), pending authorization from the council.
The proposal was initially deferred in Wednesday’s session but is expected to be tackled again next week.
Under the BBM rice scheme, target beneficiaries can buy up to 10 kilos of rice per month at just ₱20 per kilo, with the national government covering the rest of the subsidy in partnership with LGUs.
The Department of Agriculture has tasked FTI to lead the collaboration with local governments to ensure grassroots reach, framing the program as a national push for food security and price relief.IMT
