200 sacks of ‘Benteng Bigas’ sold to Butuanons
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — At least 200 sacks of P20-per-kilo rice were sold to 1,000 city residents on September 13, in an event led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, in partnership with the National Food Authority (NFA).
In line with the joint programs of the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ and ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’, eager residents queued as early as 6:00 a.m. to secure their share and avoid long lines.
Among them was Florencio Gallibot, a senior citizen
from Barangay Maon. “I hurriedly went here because I wanted to buy the
President’s rice at P20 per kilo. I usually buy rice at P40-42 per kilo, so
today since the rice is cheaper, I have an amount of money that I can use to
buy other basic needs for my family.”
Another beneficiary is Elena Rivera, from Barangay
Holy Redeemer. She thanked the President for the affordable rice that is made
available to more Filipinos. She shared that previously she only saw the P20
rice sold in Luzon and Visayas but now it has reached Butuan City and this
time, she is even one of the beneficiaries.
The 20 per kilo of rice is under the program on
Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!
which aims to ease the Filipinos from the burden of
rising food costs, especially on rice as the country’s staple food.
From its official launch date on May 15 of this
year, the DA spearheaded the initiative to bring the BBM rice initially to
certain marginalized sectors of society such as persons with disabilities
(PWD), solo parents, 4Ps beneficiaries, and senior citizens.
President Marcos’ campaign promise of lowering the price of rice continues to find ground as BBM rice is now available nationwide and has reached Caraga region, including its islands and far-flung communities. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
