By Kenneth Marcos 
The cool morning air in Baguio City was filled with excitement as hundreds of residents lined up in front of City Hall. Many came early, hoping to bring home affordable rice for their families. For them, every peso saved means more food on the table.
On February 27, 2026, the Department of Agriculture (DA) expanded the implementation of the P20 “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” Rice Project in Baguio City. The special rollout was held during the Panagbenga Festival, drawing attention to the government’s effort to strengthen food security in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
The program, a key initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to provide rice at P20 per kilo to help vulnerable sectors cope with high food prices. During the Baguio rollout, around 500 families benefited from the initiative.
Priority beneficiaries included senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members, low-income families, daily wage earners, transport group members such as TODAs, teachers, and farmers. Many of them said the lower rice price would help ease their weekly expenses.
According to the DA, the P20 rice project is part of broader efforts to ensure stable food supply and make rice more affordable, especially for vulnerable communities. Rice remains the staple food for most Filipino households, and any increase in its price directly affects family budgets.
In recent years, global supply issues, climate-related disruptions, and higher production costs have contributed to rising rice prices. The government has responded with various measures, including increased local production support, improved distribution systems, and targeted subsidy programs.
Baguio City, known for its cooler climate and mountainous terrain, relies heavily on rice transported from other regions. This makes residents more sensitive to price fluctuations. By bringing the P20 rice program directly to the city, the DA hopes to cushion the impact of higher market prices.
The special rollout during Panagbenga Festival also aimed to reach more people while highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive growth. The DA said it plans to continue expanding the program in other areas, depending on supply and coordination with local government units.
For many beneficiaries, the program is more than just discounted rice. It represents support during challenging times. With food prices still a concern for many Filipino families, affordable rice programs can help reduce hunger and improve daily living conditions.
As the government continues to work on long-term solutions to boost local rice production and strengthen food security, initiatives like the P20 rice project provide immediate relief to those who need it most.
In times when every peso counts, access to affordable basic goods can make a real difference. Programs that focus on food security remind us that ensuring enough food for every Filipino family remains a shared responsibility.
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