The Department of Agriculture (DA) will roll out its P20-per-kilogram rice program, known as Benteng Bigas Meron Na! (BBM Na!), In Pangasinan, starting in January, the province will be the pilot area for full implementation.

The program aims to expand access to affordable rice, help control food inflation, and support palay farmgate prices. Under the program, all eligible lower- and middle-income households in Pangasinan will be allowed to purchase rice at P20 per kilo, moving beyond the earlier limited distribution to vulnerable sectors.

P20 per kilo rice has been for sale in previous years, but only in Kadiwa stores, which usually run out fast due to limited quantities.

Priority beneficiaries initially included 4Ps recipients, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single parents, before expanding to cover farmers, fisherfolk, tricycle drivers, minimum-wage earners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel.

To manage supply, purchase limits are being enforced, with senior citizens allowed to buy up to 30 kilograms per month and other beneficiaries up to 10 kilograms. Registration under the DA’s system is required for monitoring and auditing purposes.

After the Pangasinan rollout, the DA plans to expand the program to selected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, including Davao, as well as several other provinces between January and February. Areas were chosen based on the availability of National Food Authority rice stocks and logistical considerations.

Rice will be distributed through Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores, public markets, and local government–managed outlets, with at least one access point per municipality. The government has allotted P23 billion for the program’s subsidy in 2026, subject to adjustments depending on policy developments. (Ahikam Pasion)