The ₱20-per-kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program will become available starting September 16 for public utility jeepney and tricycle drivers, Department of Agriculture (DA) Asec. Arnel De Mesa announced on DZRH Dos Por Dos.
The launch will take place in Navotas, covering around 4,000 beneficiaries identified by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Public school teachers are next in line for the subsidy.
“Ilalaunch natin ‘yan sa may Navotas. Mga 4,000 ‘yong nakalista sa DOTr at tsaka sa LTFRB. Pagkatapos, isusunod naman natin ‘yong mga public school teachers,” said DA Asec. Arnel De Mesa.
De Mesa explained that only those on official lists can avail of the program. “May listahan na binibigay sa amin kagaya ng nakita namin sa Navotas. Kasi mga toda members para mas madali ang monitoring,” he said, further noting that coordination with DOLE is also underway to include minimum wage earners.
The DA assured sufficient supply, citing the National Food Authority’s (NFA) 450,000 metric tons in stock, equivalent to over 9 million bags. However, the agency plans to auction off 60,000 metric tons of aging stocks in October to free up warehouse space for the harvest season.
“Magiging mas maingat tayo. Uunahin natin ‘yong pagbebenta sa mga government agencies na nangangasiwa ng mga relief. At ‘yong matitira ‘yon yung isusubasta natin ngayong October,” De Mesa said. Floor prices for the auction will range from ₱25 to ₱27 per kilo depending on the age of the rice.
The DA also denied reports that the ₱20 rice is imported. “Bawal ‘yon. Wala ‘yon sa aming guidelines. Lahat ng binebenta natin na 20 pesos ay galing sa National Food Authority. At alam naman natin na ang NFA ay hindi nagiimport ng bigas. So lahat ‘yan ay galing sa ating mga magsasaka,” De Mesa clarified.
He added that the primary goal is not profit but clearing storage for fresh stocks. “Ang pangunahing rason lang talaga ay mailabas itong mga aging stocks at magkaroon ng espasyo para rito sa mga anihan. Hindi tinitignan ‘yong kita.”
