The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday that it will roll out the pilot run of its "Benteng Bigas Meron Na" program on June 13, offering rice at P20 per kilo to minimum wage earners.
In an ambush interview held in Muntinlupa City, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he has already sought President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s go-signal to expand the program, which aligns with the administration's campaign promise of lowering rice prices.
According to Laurel, the initial rollout will benefit 120,000 minimum wage earners listed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), who will be allowed to purchase up to 10 kilos of rice per month at the subsidized price.
"These workers are part of the organizations or companies na willing to join the pilot test. But of course itong ginagawa natin, 'di naman ibig sabihin na limitado don," said Laurel.
The pilot run will be implemented nationwide, with plans to expand it further in the coming months.
Laurel said that if feasible, the program could be extended beyond the 30-day pilot period.
The agriculture chief also assured the public of the program's sustainability until 2028.
