Newly milled rice produced by farmers in Negros Occidental was sold to an initial batch of Bacolodnons during the launch of the P20 per kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program at the Burgos North Public Market in Bacolod City yesterday.
For the initial rollout, the city has purchased 5,880 sacks of rice worth P7.971 million from the National Food Authority (NFA). The rice was produced by farmers in Bago City, Valladolid and San Enrique.
Luisa Belluga, 62 years old, of Barangay 26, thanked the government for giving her the opportunity to buy rice at a lower price.
“Masarap ang bigas ng gobyerno. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Presidente Marcos at dito sa Bacolod kay Mayor Albee Benitez,” she said in an interview.
Belluga was among the buyers who participated in the taste test of the P20 per kilo rice together with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in the presence of city officials led by Benitez.
Rodolfo Lumayno, 72 years old, of Barangay Banago, said the 10 kilos he was able to purchase would last for about a week for his family of three.
“We usually buy rice at P42 per kilo. With this, I was able to save P22 per kilo,” he said.
Francisco Tolentino, 59 years old, a tricycle driver from Barangay 26, said he was able to buy good quality rice at a lower price.
“The P20 rice is a big help to our family. We can use the savings for other expenses such as transportation,” he shared.
In his message, Tiu Laurel said he hopes those who have bought and like the quality of the P20 per kilo rice would share their experience with others.
“We’re selling quality rice produced by our local farmers. You can expect the program to continue, as promised by President Marcos, until 2028. Under his term, the P20-per-kilo rice will be available to those who need it,” he said.
Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office head Brenda Burdeos said that aside from Burgos Market, the P20 per kilo rice was also sold at Central Market, Libertad South Public Market, and Bacolod City Government Center yesterday.
“These are Negros-produced rice delivered directly to the Bacolod City Government Center after milling. We’re selling about 400 sacks daily until we can dispose of all the stocks,” she said.
Burdeos said that after selling in the markets, the city government would bring the P20 per kilo rice to all the 61 barangays. (PNA)