DA distributes ‘Benteng Bigas’ in Surigao City
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) —The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga brought affordable rice at P20 per kilo during the Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat on September 13.
Through the program on ‘Benteng Bigas, Meron (BBM) Na’, each member of the vulnerable sectors of the city, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, was able to buy a maximum of 10 kilograms of BBM rice.
According to DA-Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) Surigao del Norte Chief Claire P. Ilagan that a total of 10,000 kilos of rice was availed by more than one thousand Surigaonon during the distribution in Surigao City gymnasium.
She said the program initially would benefit specific groups and has expanded to include other sectors like minimum wage earners, farmers, and public transport workers.
“The affordable rice is primarily made available through DA-accredited retailers and Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets,” she said. “Partnership with DSWD through its ‘Walang Gutom’ program also allowed the beneficiaries to use their food credits to purchase the subsidized rice.”
Aling Nena, a 75-year-old widow, expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, acknowledging that he fulfilled a key campaign promise on bringing the price of rice down to P20 per kilo. “Nagpapasalamat kami kay Presidente Marcos dahil tinupad niya ang pangako niya.”
(We thank President Marcos because he fulfilled his promise).
For the PWDs and senior citizens of Surigao City, the Handog ng Pangulo was more than just a distribution of rice. It was a tangible symbol of care, a reminder that in a world of uncertainties, there are moments of kindness that can feed not just the body, but the soul. (SDR, PIA Surigao Norte with a report from DA-APCO SDN)
