By Voltaire Dequina

SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The government is opening more “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” outlets in Occidental Mindoro to reduce long lines and make it easier for qualified beneficiaries to buy affordable rice, while ensuring enough supply for everyone.

National Food Authority (NFA) Occidental Mindoro Branch Manager Harold Cuartero said the opening of additional redemption centers in Sablayan and Mamburao towns, along with more outlets in San Jose town, aims to improve access for low-income and priority sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, drivers, low-income workers and others.

The move comes as demand for the subsidized rice remains high, occasionally resulting in lines at distribution sites managed by the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI). While some have raised concerns over slow replenishment, Cuartero explained that stock release follows a verification process to ensure proper accounting before new supplies are issued.

Under the program, the NFA supplies rice to FTI, which handles retail distribution. FTI requests additional stocks only when its inventory nears depletion, triggering a review and approval process before release.

Despite high demand, officials emphasized that supply remains sufficient. Occidental Mindoro holds over 180,000 bags of rice, with additional palay stocks convertible to around 550,000 bags—enough to cover about 130 days of consumption.

Also, the NFA is increasing palay procurement from local farmers, targeting up to 200,000 bags, ensuring supply continues to grow alongside demand. The agency said existing storage facilities in the province can accommodate the additional volume.

During his recent visit, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson noted that food security is supported not only by government reserves but also by the private sector, reinforcing the country’s overall capacity to meet demand.

Officials said that by expanding access points and maintaining a controlled supply chain, the P20 rice program aims to deliver affordable rice more efficiently without compromising stock stability in Occidental Mindoro. 

The Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! is a program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through FTI in partnership with the NFA for the supply of quality and safe rice brought by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to alleviate hunger among those in the vulnerable sector. (VND/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA–Occidental Mindoro)

Published Date: April 29, 2026