By Kenneth Marcos 
Early morning in Passi City, Iloilo, residents lined up with baskets and sacks, eager to buy rice at affordable prices. The familiar aroma of freshly milled rice filled the air as the P20 Benteng Bigas Program officially rolled out, promising relief for families struggling with rising food costs.
The program, a joint initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), and the National Food Authority (NFA), aims to make quality rice accessible to more Filipinos at a consistent price of P20 per kilo. This effort continues the government’s push to ensure food security and support low-income communities across the country.
Through Benteng Bigas, the agencies prioritize both affordability and quality. The initiative is part of a wider strategy to stabilize rice supply, prevent excessive price hikes, and strengthen the distribution network in partnership with local government units and community cooperatives.
DA officials emphasized that the program embodies their principle: “Sa Serbisyong Patas at Tapat, Bigas ay Laging Dekalidad.” By maintaining quality standards while keeping prices low, the program seeks to protect consumers and support small rice traders who participate in the distribution network.
Local residents expressed relief and gratitude, noting that the program helps their families manage household budgets more effectively. With this rollout in Passi City, the government hopes to expand the reach of Benteng Bigas to more municipalities, ensuring that affordable rice is available even in remote areas.
The collaboration among DA, NFA, and FTI highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between national agencies to meet the basic needs of Filipinos while promoting transparency and reliability in rice distribution.
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