P20 rice program resumes at NFA compound in Tandag City
By Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In support of the food security and social protection agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program recently resumed implementation at the NFA compound in Mabua, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
Under the initiative, the National Food Authority (NFA) serves as the rice supplier, and the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) oversees and facilitates on-the-ground distribution and implementation activities to ensure affordable rice reaches eligible beneficiaries.
The program aims to provide affordable rice at P20 per kilo to qualified low-income sectors, helping Filipino families cope with rising prices of basic commodities while ensuring food accessibility for vulnerable communities.
Under the schedule released by NFA, rice distribution was organized by area, starting May 12 – Mondays for residents of San Miguel; Tuesdays for Tandag City; Wednesdays for Tago; Thursdays for Cortes, Bayabas, and Cagwait; while Fridays are for beneficiaries from Marihatag, Lanuza, Lianga, Bislig, Hinatuan, Barobo, and other areas in the CARCANMADCARLAN cluster.
Beneficiaries include senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and indigent households, who may avail of up to 30 kilos of rice per month. Meanwhile, rice farmers and farm workers, fisherfolk, jeepney and tricycle drivers, minimum-wage earners, Department of Education teachers, and non-teaching personnel may avail of up to 10 kilos per monthly.
For many residents, the program provides significant relief amid economic challenges. However, due to the high volume of beneficiaries, some have expressed hope for faster processing and improved queuing systems.
One beneficiary, Rogelio A. Binas, shared his experience while waiting to avail of the subsidized rice.
“Gikan pa ko sa buntag naa na sa venue arun maka-avail sa tag ‘Benteng Bigas’. Alas dos na sa hapon mao pa ko natagaan, akong giantos ang kagutom. Mapasalamaton gihapon ko bisan pa niini kay daghan man ang gusto makabenepisyo sa programa,” he said.
(I arrived at the venue early in the morning just to avail of the ‘Benteng Bigas.’ It was already two o’clock in the afternoon when I was finally served. I endured hunger while waiting. Still, I remain thankful because many others also want to benefit from the program)
Binas also expressed hope for measures that could improve distribution process and ease the experience of beneficiaries.
Despite long queues, many residents continue to express gratitude for the initiative, recognizing its importance in helping families save on daily expenses such as food, transportation, medicine, and education needs.
Meanwhile, on May 28, the “Benteng Bigas” was also made available at Tandag City Park in Barangay Awasian, alongside the KADIWA initiative of the Department of Agriculture in partnership with the city government of Tandag, which showcased locally produced goods.
The program reflects continuing government efforts to strengthen food accessibility, stabilize rice supply, and support vulnerable sectors through responsive and inclusive interventions under the Bagong Pilipinas vision. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
