RRSS News Online Newspaper ng mga Pinoy
In an effort to provide quality and affordable rice to residents of Nueva Vizcaya, the provincial government is set to start the implementation of the “Bagas ti Umili” program.
Provincial Planning and Development Officer Engr. Edgardo Sabado has said that the initiative has received P11-million funding from the province’s 2026 Supplemental Budget, as approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Sabado further shared that the program is a localized version of the national government’s Benteng Bigas Program, which sells affordable rice at P20/kilo.
“The ‘Bagas ti Umili’ Program was conceptualized to provide quality and affordable rice to different sectors and bring it directly to the barangays so it can be easily accessed by Novo Vizcayanos.”
According to the planning officer, the initiative is a response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in implementing measures that would help Filipinos cope with the effects of oil price surges.
He said, “The directive was contained in Executive Order No. 110, signed by President Marcos on March 24, 2026, declaring a State of National Emergency due to the impact of Middle East conflicts on global fuel supply and prices.”
Sabado has said that they already have a list of program beneficiaries and other marginalized sector as identified by the provincial social welfare and development office.
February this year when Governor Jose Gambito has allocated P3.55-million from the provincial government fund for the same project.
“This is our localized version of the ‘Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!’ program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as we join him in providing affordable and quality rice for our fellow Novo Vizcayanos,” Gambito said.
He said the the Bagas ti Umili serves as both a welfare and food security measure. This, per Gambito, seeks to ease pressure on household budgets while promoting better nutrition among families most vulnerable to rising food prices.
