DA Expands ?20 Rice Program as More ‘Benteng Bigas’ Sites Open Nationwide
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the public that the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice program will continue, with additional selling sites scheduled to open across the country this month.
The “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program currently operates through 806 active selling sites, providing affordable rice to qualified beneficiaries and vulnerable sectors.
DA spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the program could remain sustainable until 2028, supported by the continued availability of aging but good-quality government rice stocks and additional rice procurement.
The DA has already expanded the program to Amulung, Cagayan, and Baao, Camarines Sur. More selling sites are also scheduled to open in Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur, and Peñablanca, Cagayan.
Additional locations are expected to begin operations next week in Caraga and Davao Oriental; La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Sibulan, Negros Oriental; Irosin, Sorsogon; and Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.
The expansion is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to maintain affordable rice options and strengthen government support for vulnerable sectors and qualified beneficiaries.
De Mesa said the country’s rice supply remains adequate, particularly as the wet harvest season begins and the National Food Authority (NFA) prepares to procure additional palay from local farmers.
As of Monday, approximately 121,271 metric tons of rice had been sold through the BBM Na program, generating around ₱2.4 billion in sales.
Since its launch in May 2025, the affordable rice initiative has benefited an estimated 12.1 million Filipinos.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government does not expect to require a substantial increase in funding to sustain the program until the end of the Marcos administration.
The government has allocated ₱10 billion for the program this year, with another ₱10 billion proposed for next year, according to the DA.
Meanwhile, the department is also working to secure additional funding for fertilizer assistance as part of preparations to protect Filipino farmers from the possible impact of a very strong El Niño.
The continued expansion of the ₱20 rice program reflects the government's broader strategy of ensuring food affordability while strengthening domestic rice production and providing greater support to Filipino farmers.
