The Department of Agriculture on Tuesday rolled out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program in Makati City, bringing subsidized rice to one of the country’s wealthiest urban centers while underscoring a growing reality that even affluent cities are not insulated from economic strain caused by soaring petroleum product prices.
Around 750 beneficiaries were served during the ceremonial launch attended by Mayor Nancy Binay and other city officials, as the government pushed to expand the flagship food initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid rising living costs tied to global energy volatility caused by the Middle East tension.
The program offers rice at P20 per kilo to vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, minimum wage earners, transport workers, and other low- to lower-middle-income households. While Makati is known for its strong fiscal position, officials acknowledged that pockets of vulnerability persist, particularly as fuel-driven inflation squeezes household budgets.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. framed the initiative as both relief and resilience. “During these challenging times, initiatives envisioned by President Marcos, such as the P20 rice program, are a big help for the tight budgets of Filipino families,” he said.
The rollout comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to push oil prices higher, raising transport and production costs that ripple through food supply chains. Rice, a staple that anchors Filipino consumption, has become a focal point of policy intervention.
Beyond consumer relief, the program also functions as a demand stabilizer for farmers. Each kilo distributed corresponds to palay procured through the National Food Authority, ensuring steady offtake and helping sustain farmgate prices following a strong harvest season.
To improve targeting and transparency, authorities are deploying the PBBM Registry System, which assigns QR codes to beneficiaries for monitored purchases across KADIWA outlets. The system aims to minimize leakages while streamlining distribution.
Officials said Makati’s participation highlights the need for broad-based implementation, even in high-income localities, as economic shocks cut across demographics. The government plans to sustain and expand the program nationwide through 2028, positioning it as a key buffer against inflation and a mechanism to reinforce both food access and agricultural stability.
