Philippines expands affordable rice programme to support millions

The Department of Agriculture is rapidly expanding its nationwide rice initiative under the programme “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!”, a key effort backed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The move comes as rising fuel costs continue to affect food prices, putting pressure on household budgets across the country.

To ease this strain, the government is increasing the number of distribution points and extending operating hours, allowing more Filipinos to purchase rice at a subsidised price of P20 per kilo. According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the goal is to ensure food remains accessible despite ongoing economic challenges linked to transport and logistics.

By the first quarter of 2026, 932 selling sites had already been set up nationwide. These include KADIWA centres, National Food Authority warehouses, and outlets managed by local and national agencies, along with partners accredited by Food Terminal Inc.. As of early April, the programme has reached 6.45 million beneficiaries, including senior citizens, low income households, solo parents, persons with disabilities, farmers and fisherfolk.

“We have sufficient food supply, but elevated fuel and logistics costs are pushing market prices to levels that further contain the budgets of many Filipinos,” Tiu Laurel said. “By expanding access to affordable rice and essential goods, we are directly easing that pressure and ensuring vulnerable sectors are protected while we work to stabilize both prices and supply.”

Further expansion is already in motion. The DA plans to introduce another 900 outlets, focusing on areas with greater need such as Capiz, Bukidnon and Cebu. This effort is supported by a strengthened partnership between Food Terminal Inc. and the National Food Authority, ensuring both supply and funding remain stable throughout 2026.

The agreement includes the procurement of 1.8 million sacks of rice backed by a 3 billion budget. Officials say this will not only support consumers but also protect farmers by maintaining fair buying prices.

“We assure that this budget will be used to secure better prices for our farmers, especially during the harvest season. In some areas, we have already increased our buying price to as much as ₱30 per kilo to prevent a drop in farmgate palay prices,” said NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson. “The NFA continues to step in to protect the income of our farmers,” he added.

“Given the current instability in market prices due to external conflicts, we are seeing a significant increase in buyers turning to our outlets to access quality rice at lower cost,” said Joseph Rudolph C. Lo. “We are closely coordinating with government partners to manage this demand and are preparing to expand our network further, with a target of reaching 1,800 P20 rice selling sites nationwide by the end of 2026,” he added.