President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to expand the coverage further and strengthen the Benteng Bigas Meron Na, his administration’s flagship program to make rice accessible to poor families.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continue coordinating with local government units (LGUs) so that the PhP20 per kilo rice can be sold in more outlets and public markets.

The President also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide a list of areas where more members of vulnerable sectors can benefit from the Benteng Bigas program.

On the part of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the agency was ordered to monitor the implementation of the program by LGUs through accomplishment reports.

At the same time, President Marcos assured farmers that the National Food Authority (NFA) will continue to buy their palay at a viable price to sustain production while maintaining the Benteng Bigas program.

“Upang mapanatag ang ating mga magsasaka, siniguro ng Pangulo na hindi bababa ang kanilang kita dahil may pondo ang gobyerno para dito,” Castro said.

“Pinapalakas din ng 20 pesos rice program ang suporta as partner-farmers dahil pwede nang direktang magbenta as merkado. Wala nang middlemen at mababawasan pa ang kanilang post-harvest losses,” Castro said.

On Wednesday, President Marcos launched the 94th outlet of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program at the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market in Bacoor City, Cavite. | PND