DA launches ‘Benteng Bigas’ for Butuan City farmers
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In its continuing effort to make rice more affordable to all, especially for the farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) launched on October 27 the program ‘Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka’ at the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse in Libertad, here.
Under the program, the farmers may purchase up to 50 kilograms of rice at P20 per kilo, while senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, and indigent families can each buy up to 30 kilograms at the same affordable price.
In her message, NFA Agusan Branch Manager Benilda Fidel emphasized that the program is a vital step in providing accessible, high-quality rice while supporting the livelihood of local farmers.
“The Benteng Bigas symbolizes hope that no Filipino will go hungry,” Fidel said. “This rice is freshly milled and comes directly from our local farmers, ensuring that consumers get quality rice while our farmers benefit from a stable market.”
Fidel further noted that the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing food security challenges.
“Through this program, we are not only making rice affordable, we are also empowering our farmers to continue producing. It’s a win-win [scenario] for both producers and consumers,” she added.
The launching in Butuan City forms part of a simultaneous nationwide rollout of the program designed to enhance rice accessibility for both farmers and marginalized sectors. Similar events were held in Bayugan City, Barangay Quezon in Surigao City, and in Barangay Mabua, Tandag City, while the program is set to launch in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands on Oct. 28.
The Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka initiative is spearheaded by the National Food Authority (NFA), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). The outlets are open from Monday to Friday and will be open to serve until Dec. 2025.
Meanwhile, Janjan, a jeepney driver in Butuan City, during an interview with PIA Agusan del Norte expressed his appreciation for the program upon learning that an outlet is now open in Libertad.
The Benteng Bigas Meron na Para sa Magsasaka initiative is spearheaded by the National Food Authority (NFA),Department of Agriculture (DA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). The outlets will be open from Monday to Friday and are operational until December 2025.
Meanwhile, Janjan, a jeepney driver in Butuan City, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Agusan del Norte, expressed his appreciation for the program upon learning that an outlet is now open in Libertad.
“I’m really happy that we now have a place where we can buy affordable rice,” he said. “With prices of basic goods going up, this is a big help for drivers like me and our families.”
Similarly, Winfred, a farmer from RTR, Agusan del Norte, said he is thankful that even farmers are given the opportunity to buy affordable rice, especially during low harvest seasons.
“I’m grateful that we’re also given the chance to buy low-priced rice, especially when our harvests are not enough,” he said. “As a tenant farmer, this really helps ease our household expenses.”
With the launching of Benteng Bigas, the DA and NFA reaffirm their shared goal of ensuring that every Filipino family has access to affordable, good-quality rice, while continuing to uplift the welfare of the country’s farmers. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)