MINIMUM wage earners can now avail of P20-per-kilo rice as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) formally launched the nationwide rollout of their subsidized rice program on Friday.
The initiative, known as “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!,” initially benefits nearly 120,000 workers from over 500 establishments, with more companies expected to join, according to DOLE.
“This isn’t just about rice—it’s about dignity,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who added that the effort supports President Marcos’ pledge to provide affordable food.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the program could improve the purchasing power of workers. “Kung sampung kilo ang pwedeng bilhin… may P100 o P200 pa silang pwedeng itabi para sa ibang bilihin,” he said.
