By Giselle P. Jordan

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday expanded the government’s P20 per kilogram (kg) rice, or the Benteng Bigas Meron Na! program to Davao City.

It was a campaign promise of then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 election.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in a message at the Davao launch, said the Benteng Bigas program is “a real solution, not just a slogan” — offering social protection for consumers (a lifeline for vulnerable sectors) and economic support for local producers.

“This isn’t just cheap rice — it’s rice born of compassion,” Tiu Laurel pointed out, “especially for our senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk and transport workers.”

It also creates new market opportunities for Filipino farmers, the DA noted, saying the marked-down rice is available in over 376 stores in urban and rural communities nationwide.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Food Terminal Inc. and National Food Authority coordinate operations, with other national agencies, local government units and private groups assisting.

The P20/kg rice may be purchased in Davao locations including Hagonoy, Digos, Bansalan, Mati, Panabo, Tagum, and certain DA and NFA offices.

The program also benefits farmers through fair trade, the DA said, noting that “for every kilo of P20 rice sold, the NFA can buy 2 kilos of palay (unmilled rice) at a fair price — linking food affordability with agricultural sustainability.”

At the Davao launch, Tiu Laurel motivated the farmers: “You are not just growers of crops. You are cultivators of hope.”

Published Date: October 25, 2025