Benteng Bigas initiative distributes rice to families in Buenavista, Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Residents of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte recently received 10 kilos of rice each under the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! Program, a flagship food initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Held at the Municipal Agriculture Office on November 4, the program served a total of 2,500 beneficiaries from 1,000 sacks set aside for the rollout. Priority went to vulnerable sectors: senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, tricycle and jeepney drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
The program follows the President’s directive to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide quality yet affordable rice to vulnerable sectors, cushion consumers from rising food prices, and strengthen food and nutrition security nationwide. He has ordered it to continue until the end of his term in 2028.
Leo Richie T. Amarillo of the DA explained that the program is implemented through the DA in partnership with the National Food Authority (NFA), Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), KADIWA ng Pangulo, and local government units (LGUs).
Amarillo thanked the LGU-Buenavista and Mayor Joselito T. Roble for allocating funds for the rollout. He said the DA hopes the allocation will increase so each beneficiary can receive 30 kilos and more residents can avail of the program.
NFA Manager Dennis L. Pagura commended Municipal Agriculturist Gertrulyn T. Natonton for her active support. He also urged local farmers to sell their harvest to the NFA, since the rice distributed comes from NFA stocks bought directly from local farmers, and their participation helps sustain the program.
Sangguniang Bayan Member Angelita D. Cadeliña, committee chairperson on agriculture, represented Mayor Roble. She thanked the mayor and Vice Mayor Ramon Alejandro G. Bungabong for their strong support of the President’s program. She said the assistance is significant for vulnerable sectors and minimum wage earners, as it eases their food expenses amid rising prices of basic commodities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from MLGU Buenavista)
