By Kenneth Marcos 
Early in the morning, long before the sun heats the pavement, people line up quietly at the National Food Authority office in Laguna. Some are elderly, some are drivers just off a night shift, others are parents hoping to stretch their food budget. All share one goal: to buy affordable rice that can help their families get through the week.
The National Food Authority (NFA) in Laguna continues to roll out its “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program, offering rice at ₱20 per kilo to qualified beneficiaries. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to make basic food more affordable while also supporting Filipino rice farmers.
The program operates from Monday to Friday, except on holidays, and is open to priority sectors identified by the government. These include rice farmers, fisherfolk, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and public transport drivers such as jeepney and tricycle operators.
Under the program, beneficiaries can purchase rice at a price far below prevailing market rates, which often range much higher depending on quality and location. For many low-income households, rice accounts for a large share of daily expenses, making any price reduction a major relief.
NFA officials said the program is designed to balance two important goals. First, it provides immediate assistance to vulnerable groups affected by rising food prices. Second, it helps ensure that locally produced palay bought from farmers continues to move through the system, supporting farm incomes and maintaining stable rice stocks.
The rice sold under the Benteng Bigas program comes from NFA-managed supplies, which are procured mainly from Filipino farmers at government-set support prices. This helps protect farmers from sharp price drops during peak harvest season, while ensuring the government has buffer stocks for food security programs.
In Laguna, the response has been steady. Beneficiaries are advised to bring valid identification or documents proving their eligibility before buying rice. NFA personnel are present on site to guide applicants and ensure that distribution follows the rules.
Transport drivers who benefit from the program say cheaper rice helps them cope with fuel costs and daily expenses. Senior citizens and PWDs also welcome the initiative, saying it eases pressure on fixed or limited incomes. For 4Ps families, the savings from rice purchases can be redirected to other needs such as school supplies, electricity, or medicine.
The government has repeatedly said that food affordability is a key priority, especially as inflation affects basic goods. Rice remains the country’s main staple, and any increase in its price is felt immediately by millions of Filipino households.
By continuing the Benteng Bigas program in provinces like Laguna, authorities aim to bring assistance closer to communities, reducing travel costs and long queues in central locations. Officials also remind the public to stay informed through local announcements, as schedules and supplies may vary depending on availability.
As the program continues, the NFA encourages eligible residents to visit its Laguna office during operating days and take part while stocks last. The effort reflects a broader push to protect both producers and consumers in the rice sector, especially those who need support the most.
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