Irrigators associations in Negros Occidental continue to support the government efforts to sell lower priced rice, the latest beneficiaries of which were residents of Kabankalan City.

At the Negros Occidental Irrigation Management Office (IMO) Satellite Office in Barangay Hilamonan, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) disposed of 500 bags of rice, containing 10 kilograms each, at P29 per kg.

The cheaper rice was sold to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries.

Called the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) Rice, it is a product of the Farming Support Services Program, which is one of the pilot projects of NIA.

Pedro Limpangog, president of the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System (FIACN-BRIS), said the rice farmers appreciated all the assistance provided by the provincial and national governments that enables them to boost their productivity.

“Today, the BBM Rice at P29 per kilogram is in Kabankalan City. We are also discussing to bring the P25 per kilo to Binalbagan town,” Limpangog said in an interview.

He added that FIACN-BRIS will schedule next the sale of “Rice for All,” which is open to all Negrenses at P35 per kilo.

Since last year, the FIACN-BRIS, in collaboration with the provincial government, has sold 14,675 kilos of milled rice at P25 per kilo to priority beneficiaries, including senior citizens, persons with disability, and indigents, through the “Bigasan ng Bayan” program.

Last month, the Negros Occidental IMO also sold 1,000 bags of lower priced rice in Bago City. (PNA)