RRSS News Online Newspaper ng mga Pinoy
Residents of Makati City can now avail of the P20/kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program of the national government. This is part of the administration’s push to keep essentials affordable for all Filipinos.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has led the ceremonial launching, Tuesday, April 14, and was attended by around 750 beneficiaries, Mayor Nancy Binay and other city officials.
While Makati City is one of the country’s wealthiest urban centers, it couldn’t be denied that even affluent cities are not exempted from the economic strain caused by the soaring prices of petroleum products.
Economic shocks cut across demographics, and there remains many individuals who have to squeeze household budgets as caused by fuel-driven inflation.
Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel has said, “During these challenging times, initiatives envisioned by President Marcos, such as the P20 rice program, are a big help for the tight budget of Filipino families.”
Laurel said the initiative is both a relief and resilience, as tensions in the Middle East continue to push oil prices higher, raising transport and production costs that tripple through food supply chains.
The program, according to the DA chief, is likewise helping farmers through ensuring steady offtake and helping sustain farmgate prices following a strong harvest season.
Mayor Binay, meanwhile, has said that the P20/kilo rice is accessible in 30 barangays, and they also provide door-to-door distribution five times a week in adherence to recommendation of DA.
“Kung kakayanin na mayroon kaming set ng sasakyan na mag-iikot. Nakita natin ngayon na medyo nahihirapan ‘yung senior citizens na magbuhat din ng rice, na pwedeng ibaba na lang namin bahay to bahay.”
Benteng Bigas Meron Na is available in about 900 Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets in 82 areas nationwide. It aims to open 1,800 KNP outlets within the year.
