Featured News

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government officially launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” (BBM) program on Wednesday, offering rice at P20 per kilo to qualified beneficiaries in a bid to help residents cope with rising food prices.

The pilot rollout was held in the northern town of Medellin, where Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally led the opening of the rice-selling program and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with participating local government units (LGUs).

During the launch, Baricuatro dismissed claims circulating online questioning the quality of the rice being sold under the subsidized program.

“Sa mga misinformation ug mga fake news nga bati kuno ang quality, nindot kaayo ang quality sa rice,” the governor said.

This initiative is part of the province’s effort to make affordable food more accessible, particularly to vulnerable sectors heavily affected by increasing commodity prices.

Cebu Province has already partnered with 17 local government units for the implementation of the P20-per-kilo rice initiative.

While the rice supply will come through Food Terminal Inc., the provincial government assures that the rice being distributed under the program is of premium quality despite the subsidized price.

In addition, purchases under the program will be regulated and sector-based to prevent abuse and ensure that more residents will benefit from the limited supply.

Under the guidelines, farmers and fishermen may purchase up to 50 kilos of rice per month, while those deemed capable of paying regular market prices may only be allowed to buy between 10 and 20 kilos.

For the initial rollout alone, the province is preparing an estimated 250,000 sacks of rice, with distribution and stock ordering to be done in batches to maintain supply stability.

In Medellin, around 1,525 bags of rice were initially allocated for the launching activity as residents lined up to avail themselves of the subsidized commodity.

Among them was Imen Languido of Barangay Poblacion, Medellin, who purchased 10 kilos of rice under the program.

“Dako na kaayo nig tabang sa amoa kay wala man mi ikapalit, mas barato,” Languido said.

She said the rising cost of rice has become difficult for ordinary families, especially those with unstable sources of income.

“Mahal na kaayogn bugas unya walay hapit trabaho,” she added.

The “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program is expected to continue expanding to more areas in Cebu in the coming weeks. 

Source : philstar