By: Joey A. Gabieta

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE, Philippines — Around 1,000 residents belonging to vulnerable sectors were able to purchase rice at P20 per kilo on Thursday, May 14, as the city government rolled out the national government’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” (BBM Na!) program aimed at easing the burden of rising food costs among low-income households.

The subsidized rice program, one of the government’s measures to make the staple food more affordable, prioritizes senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigents, and minimum wage earners.

Beneficiaries were allowed to buy up to 10 kilos each. The price is significantly lower than the prevailing market price of rice in the city which ranges from P50 to P58 per kilo.

City agriculturist Ronelo Anade said the Tacloban City government, under Mayor Alfred Romualdez, bought 3,000 bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) worth about P3 million to support the implementation of the program.

Of the total number of bags purchased, 300 were sold during Thursday’s ceremonial rollout.

“The remaining bags of rice will be distributed to barangays in the coming days so residents can conveniently buy rice in their own communities,” Anade said in an interview.

“We will make sure that our villagers can avail of this rice sold at just P20 quickly and easily,” he added.

The BBM Na! program forms part of the national government’s efforts to cushion vulnerable sectors from the continued increase in food prices and inflation by providing access to cheaper but quality rice through local government units.

Among those who availed themselves of the subsidized rice was 65-year-old Renato Roxas of Barangay 109, located about 14 kilometers north of the city proper.

“I am glad that we have this kind of program during these difficult times,” Roxas said. “I hope this will become permanent so poor people like me can continue buying rice at a much lower price.”

Published Date: May 14, 2026