PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government’s P20 per kilo rice program is not a temporary measure and will soon be available in more public markets nationwide.
In his latest vlog released Sunday, Marcos said the program, being rolled out through Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets for vulnerable sectors, is part of the administration’s efforts to provide affordable food and strengthen the agriculture sector through sustained collaboration between the national and local governments.
“P20 rice is here to stay. It is achievable, it is sustainable. Kaya abangan ninyo (So, watch out for it) in your nearest public markets,” Marcos said.
The initiative called “Benteng Bigas Meron na! (BBM)” was one of Marcos’ campaign promises, aimed at alleviating the burden of rising food prices.
The P20/kg rice is currently available to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent families, and minimum wage earners, with one million targeted beneficiaries by yearend.
As newly appointed national and local officials assumed office June 30, Marcos encouraged them to work together for service delivery.
“Tapos na po ang bahagi ng politika, serbisyo publiko na ang haharapin niyo ngayon (The political phase is over, now you are facing public service),” he said.