The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) officially rolled out the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” Program today, July 16, 2025, at the DA-RFO CAR Compound in Guisad, Baguio City, in a show of continued commitment to food security and social protection.

The program aims to assist food-insecure and vulnerable groups, particularly Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Solo Parents from nearby barangays. An estimated 750 beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the initiative.

In her welcome remarks, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan emphasized the program’s dual purpose, to provide families with access to affordable rice and to support Filipino farmers.

“We hope that everyone will enjoy the rice because NFA (National Food Authority) ensured that the rice being sold is of good quality,” she said.

Director Junibert De Sagun of the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service explained the rationale behind the initiative, noting that “every kilo of rice bought is a kilo moved from warehouses, allowing us to buy more from our farmers.” He added that the program is rooted in the vision of achieving affordable rice for all Filipinos.

“More than 200,000 families have already benefited from this initiative, and we continue to expand to reach more,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra expressed optimism about the program’s future. “Many doubted this could be done, but with the support of the NFA, Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), and of course you, our beneficiaries, it has become possible,” she said. “We currently have 126 Kadiwa stores selling ₱20 rice, and our goal is to expand to 1,500 stores by 2028.”

She stressed that the program is not just about rice, it is about empowering farmers and ensuring no Filipino is left behind. “Every time we buy this rice, we help our farmers continue planting. And if they stop planting, we’ll have nothing to harvest, nothing to eat.”

Messages of support from partner agencies also highlighted the national significance of the initiative. Dr. Marissa Caldoza of the FTI reaffirmed that Benteng Bigas Meron Na is a fulfillment of a promise made by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and will continue to be implemented until 2028. “The real stars of this program are you, the beneficiaries,” she said.

Region I NFA Regional Director Liza Balagot recalled how the program was initially met with skepticism. “People laughed at the idea, but we at NFA did the math and gave our farmers the necessary support. Now we see it’s possible,” she said.

She added that the NFA is proud to be part of the program, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security and delivering affordable rice to Filipino families.

She reiterated their strong support for the initiative, stating, “Our agency wholeheartedly stands behind this program, not only as a partner but as a committed advocate and ally of the government in realizing the goals of this initiative. We uphold our responsibility and dedication to the success of this program, not only in the distribution process but also in our continued efforts to ensure that the rice received by the beneficiaries is of excellent quality.”

Voices from the community affirmed the positive impact of the program.

“Daytoy ₱20 mayat launay kanyami a senior lallalo ket han amin kami ket agpenpesyon sapay kuma ta tuluy-tuloy daytoy a program tapnu dagitoy marginal income na makagatang da met” Vivian Marie Wa-aya, President of the Baguio Association of Senior Citizens Organization Secretaries, Inc. (BASCO).

[“This ₱20 rice is a great program for us seniors, especially since not all of us have pensions. I hope this program continues so that even those with marginal incomes can afford to buy rice.”]

Maria Tokoyen, a solo parent, also recognizes how the program supports them and their families.

“Maysa ak nga solo parent ket daytoy nagdakel tulong na ti pamilyak ta ti income ko ket bassit. Daytoy nababa nga gatang ko ket nagdakkel nga tulong na,” she said.

[“This program is a big help for me. With my small income, the low price of rice is a great support for my family.”].

The Benteng Bigas Meron Na Program highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to food security and social protection, ensuring that no Filipino, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind.//Alyssa Dawn Alalag

📸 Ronie Cobebe & Alyssa Dawn Alalag
DA-CAR Press Release No. 25-139
#DACARabovePAR
#BentengBigasMeronNa