BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Farmers and other vulnerable sectors in Bataan are gaining easier access to affordable rice through President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, which aims to strengthen food security and help communities cope with rising commodity prices.
National Food Authority (NFA) Pampanga Acting Branch Manager Ferdinand Macusi said beneficiaries may now avail of rice at P20 per kilo through the program.
“Ang bigas ay dini-distribute sa pangunguna ng Food Terminal Inc., and the NFA will provide the rice to be sold for the program, which will be sourced from local farmers,” Macusi added.
From October 27 to December 2025, eligible beneficiaries including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigent households such as 4Ps beneficiaries, rice farmers, fisherfolk, and jeepney and tricycle drivers may avail of the rice at the NFA Bataan Warehouse in Balanga City.
Under the guidelines, senior citizens, solo parents, PWDs, indigent households, and jeepney and tricycle drivers may purchase 30 kilos of NFA rice per month, with a maximum of 10 kilos per transaction.
Fisherfolk may buy 10 kilos per month, while rice farmers and rice workers are entitled to a maximum of 50 kilos for the entire duration of the program until December.
Beneficiaries are required to present valid identification upon purchase, depending on their sector.
Senior citizens must show an Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs ID, while solo parents must present an ID issued by the local government unit’s (LGU) Social Welfare and Development Office.
PWDs and indigent households may present a PWD ID issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a Persons with Disability Affairs Office-issued ID, a 4Ps ID, or a DSWD certification.
Jeepney drivers must present an LTFRB-issued driver’s ID or a franchise-based ID endorsed by the local transport cooperative, while tricycle drivers must show a Tricycle Operator’s Permit with an LGU-issued driver’s ID.
Rice farmers and rice workers must present a Farmer’s ID from a DA-accredited agency or proof of registration under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, while fisherfolk must present an ID or certification from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or their LGU.
The initiative reinforces the government’s broader vision of ensuring that every Filipino family has consistent access to affordable and nutritious food. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
