On President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s orders, the government is set to expand its widely praised “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na” program under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, bringing more affordable rice to Filipino households nationwide.

In the good news portion of her briefing at Malacañan Palace, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that Phase 2 of the Department of Agriculture’s program to expand access to PhP20-per-kilo rice will roll out this July, followed by Phase 3 in September.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ng Pangulo, palalawigin pa ng agriculture department ang PhP20 per kilo rice program sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa. Magkakaroon din Phase 2 sa July at Phase 3 naman sa September,” Undersecretary Castro said.

The program continues to draw long lines in Metro Manila and provinces as more Filipinos queue for the budget-friendly rice, which many once believed was just a dream.

“Pinipilahan pa rin at binabalik-balikan ng ating mga kababayan ang bente pesos kada kilong bigas sa mga kadiwa ng Pangulo…mapa-Metro Manila man o Pangasinan,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Shoppers—especially senior citizens—have expressed hope that more Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets will be opened closer to their communities for easier access.

“Dati po pinapangarap lang namin ang ganitong kababa na presyo. Ngayon, abot-kamay na namin,” the Malacanang spokesperson added.

The DA assured the public that the program will continue to expand, reaching more areas and helping cushion the impact of rising food costs.

President Marcos said this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to easing the daily burden of Filipino families and making essential goods more accessible across the country. | PND