By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the cloudy skies of Basco, hope arrived in the form of boats, rice, and farming tools as the country’s agriculture chief personally visited one of the farthest provinces in the Philippines.
On October 9, 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. led the official rollout of “P20 Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” — the flagship food program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — in Basco, Batanes. The event marked a milestone in bringing affordable rice and direct government support to Filipino farmers and fishers in isolated northern communities.
P13-Million in aid for farmers and fishers
During the visit, Secretary Laurel distributed over P13 million worth of agricultural and fisheries assistance to 374 beneficiaries across the province. This includes both equipment and livelihood support aimed at boosting production and improving the local economy.
Among the items turned over were:
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Motorized fishing boats to help increase catch and ensure safer sea travel
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Chest freezers and chilling tanks to preserve fish catch and reduce post-harvest losses
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Various farming tools and agricultural inputs to support rice and crop production
“These interventions will help uplift the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Secretary Laurel. “Even in remote areas like Batanes, we want to make sure that government services are reaching those who need them most.”
P20 Rice Program begins in Batanes
The visit also marked the formal launch of the P20 per kilo rice program in the province. This initiative seeks to offer affordable, quality rice to Filipino consumers, especially in areas where prices have historically been high due to transport costs and supply limitations.
For a province like Batanes, where food supply chains are often disrupted by storms or rough seas, the arrival of lower-priced rice is expected to bring much-needed relief.
Secretary Laurel explained that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is working closely with local government units and farmers’ cooperatives to strengthen rice production, lower logistics costs, and stabilize supply — all essential for sustaining the P20 price point.
Strengthening resilience in the far north
Batanes, being prone to typhoons and geographically isolated, faces unique challenges in agriculture and fisheries. The DA’s visit, therefore, is part of a broader strategy to build resilience in remote areas through infrastructure, equipment, and continuous support.
Earlier this year, DA programs in island provinces were also enhanced to include post-harvest facilities, capacity-building programs, and improved access to credit. The aim is to reduce dependence on imports and empower local producers.
Call for unity in agri development
Secretary Laurel ended the visit by calling for stronger collaboration between the national government, LGUs, and the people of Batanes.
“We are here not just to give aid, but to build partnerships. The future of agriculture lies in our collective effort to build a food-secure, resilient, and inclusive nation,” he said.
With the successful launch of the P20 rice initiative and the distribution of livelihood support, the DA hopes that the seeds of progress planted in Batanes will grow — not only in harvests, but also in opportunities for rural Filipinos.
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