By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the heat of the morning sun, farmers from across Davao del Sur gathered with hopeful hearts at the National Food Authority (NFA) Compound in Digos City. For them, a long-awaited promise has finally started to take shape—rice at only ₱20 per kilo.
On September 18, 2025, the government formally launched the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program in Barangay San Jose, Digos City. The initiative aims to provide affordable and quality rice to farmers, allowing them to access a basic necessity at a price they can afford.
Helping Those Who Feed the Nation
In the first phase of the program, 500 sacks of rice were allocated for qualified farmer-beneficiaries across the province. The rice is sold at ₱20 per kilo, a significant decrease from the average market price, which now ranges between ₱42 to ₱48 per kilo in many public markets.
This move is part of the government’s broader push to ease the burden on Filipino farmers, who often struggle with high production costs and low profits despite being the backbone of the country’s food supply.
United Government Effort
The program is a joint project of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), and the National Food Authority (NFA) under the “Bagong Pilipinas” agenda of the Marcos administration. It reflects the administration’s goal to bring direct, timely, and fair support to marginalized sectors.
“This is not just about lowering prices,” said one NFA official at the launch. “It’s about showing our farmers that we see them, we value them, and we are here to help them live better lives.”
More Than Just Cheaper Rice
While the program currently covers a limited number of beneficiaries, agencies involved said this is only the beginning. If successful, “Benteng Bigas” could expand to include other vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, solo parents, and minimum wage earners.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, around 9.3 million Filipinos work in agriculture, yet most of them live below the poverty line. Programs like this aim to address long-standing inequalities by providing real, tangible support.
Farmer groups welcomed the move but stressed the importance of long-term solutions. “Barya lang ang ₱20 kung panandalian lang ito,” said a local cooperative leader. “Pero kung tuloy-tuloy ito, malaking ginhawa ito sa mga tulad naming umaasa sa bawat ani.”
Ensuring Fair Access
To prevent abuse or hoarding, the NFA confirmed that proper validation and registration of beneficiaries are being carried out by local government units. Rice distribution is also monitored to make sure it reaches the intended recipients.
Officials added that the rice provided under the program comes from locally sourced palay, helping not only consumers but also farmers who supply the grain.
A Step Toward Food Security
The “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program supports the national goal of ensuring food security with dignity. It is part of a bigger push to revive the role of the NFA as a reliable safety net, especially in times of crisis and high inflation.
As farmers carried their rice sacks home, many said they felt not only relief—but also a renewed sense of respect. For them, this was more than a handout; it was a sign that the system is beginning to work in their favor.
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