By Kenneth Marcos 
Families in Dapitan and Dipolog lined up early on Friday morning, hopeful that rising food prices would not stop them from bringing home affordable rice. Their wait ended with cheers as Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. arrived to launch the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program, bringing P20-per-kilo rice to households across Zamboanga del Norte.
The activity was held on November 28 and marked one of the largest rollouts of the program in the province. Residents from Dapitan, Dipolog, and 25 municipalities gathered in their local distribution areas to purchase the low-cost rice—an initiative that many hoped would ease their daily expenses.
Secretary Laurel explained that the P20 rice program is a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The government aims to provide cheaper rice while helping farmers earn fair and stable income. According to the Department of Agriculture, the program sources rice directly from farmers’ cooperatives and irrigators’ associations. This reduces middlemen costs and ensures that producers still receive proper payment for their harvest.
Local officials noted that Zamboanga del Norte is among the areas where many families struggle with high market prices, especially for rice, which is the country’s main staple. By bringing the program closer to the community, the DA hopes to reach households that need the support the most. Long-term plans include building more post-harvest facilities, strengthening KADIWA channels, and supporting farmers with machinery, credit, and input subsidies.
Residents who joined the launch said the program brought relief at a time when household budgets were stretched thin. Parents shared that even a few pesos saved on rice makes a difference when they also have to pay for school needs, fuel, and other essentials. Farmers who participated in the event also expressed hope that government support would help stabilize production and protect them from losses during low market demand.
Provincial leaders thanked the DA for expanding the program in the region, saying it shows the government’s commitment to bringing agricultural services to remote communities. They also encouraged families to continue supporting local farmers by choosing locally produced rice whenever possible.
The launch in Zamboanga del Norte is part of a broader national rollout of the P20 rice program. The DA said it will continue working with local governments to open more distribution sites and ensure that supplies are steady, especially during the holiday season when demand typically rises.
As families headed home with bags of rice, many said the initiative gave them hope that access to affordable food will continue to improve. The event also highlighted the importance of strong cooperation between farmers, communities, and the government in securing the country’s food supply.
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