Ilonggos warmly welcomed the “P20 Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program that was rolled out by the government in Cebu on Thursday, May 1

Some of them cited the program’s impact, especially on the marginal sectors like senior citizens, persons with disability, and even the unemployed sector since the P20 per kilo price is affordable.

Lorlie Noblezada, an entrepreneur from Miagao town, said the cheaper rice can help them, especially since they are a big family, adding they can now allot some of their money to send their children to school.

“Dahil dito sa programang ito ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos, ang ating buhay ay maging asensado, at tayo ay aangat sa Bagong Pilipinas,” she said.

Gemma Sumage, president of the Sta.Barbara Farmers Association in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, said the low-cost rice program is a big help, considering that the next harvest is still in September.

She hoped the government would source its supply from local rice farmers, thus helping the people and the local producers, aside from ensuring quality and cutting the cost of transportation.

“To our President, keep up the good work, and we look forward to more support for the people and the farmers,” said Sumage, who also chairs the municipal agri-fishery council of Sta. Barbara.

Frank Longno, a rice and vegetable farmer also from Sta. Barbara said more Filipinos could benefit from the P20/kilo rice being more affordable.

“Rice will be more affordable and accessible for the indigent. It would also be better if the government will support our local farmers by buying our products, aside from the help they extend to us in terms of free seeds and fertilizers,” he said.

Edilberto Pedrajas, vice president of the PTB Irrigators Association with 150 members in Pototan, lauded the efforts of the government to help indigent Filipinos and even farmers.

He said the P20/kilo rice sale would be a big help to vulnerable sectors.

Pedrajas was also thankful to the government for the contract farming through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Part of their produce was utilized for the P29/kilo Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice for the vulnerable sectors and the Rice-for-All program.

In a previous interview, Lyn Casabuena from New Lucena town also lauded the program. She doesn’t have a stable income and only relies on her earnings from doing laundry.

She said they buy rice daily depending on her income.  “It would be good if the P20 per kilo rice is implemented because it is affordable,” she said in dialect. Perla Lena/PNA