Benteng Bigas Meron Na program launched in Guimaras

The Provincial Government of Guimaras, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas, the National Food Authority (NFA), and Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), launched the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program on July 8, 2025, at the Guimaras Capitol Grounds in Jordan.

Governor Lucille L. Nava, Congressman JC Rahman Nava, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Mechanization Engr. Roger V. Navarro, DA Western Visayas Regional Executive Director Dennis Arpia, and NFA 6 Regional Manager Jasmin Lintag led the ceremonial distribution of subsidized rice at P20 per kilo to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigent families. Each eligible household may purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per month under the program.

In his keynote address, Undersecretary Navarro emphasized, “This program targets 15 million households nationwide, especially from the vulnerable sectors.” He also addressed concerns about the program’s sustainability, “There have been criticisms, especially in Metro Manila, that this initiative isn’t sustainable. But in reality, it is. Even the President has affirmed its sustainability.”

Navarro clarified that while the program guarantees 10 kilograms of rice monthly for each household, beneficiaries can still purchase additional rice from the market as needed. He urged communities to contribute to the program’s success by encouraging local farmers to sell their harvest to the NFA to ensure sufficient stock and sustained implementation.

NFA Western Visayas Regional Manager Jasmin Lintag thanked the provincial government for its full support and assured the public that P20 per kilogram NFA rice will be available until the end of the President’s term in 2028. “Every grain of rice you’ll receive under this program is locally produced, none of it is imported. This is your rice, grown by our farmers, for our communities,” she affirmed.

Meanwhile, DA Western Visayas Regional Executive Director Dennis A. Arpia reassured beneficiaries of continued government assistance. “The Department of Agriculture has been directed to ensure that the necessary technical support reaches our farmers and stakeholders,” Director Arpia said. The program is set to provide essential support to the vulnerable sectors of Guimaras, ensuring that families have access to affordable rice while promoting local agricultural production.###Text by Regena Abelarde (WVSU Intern) & Photos by Georgia Mae Cordova (DA-RAFIS)