The Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Capiz, has rolled out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” or P20 Rice Project during the Capiztahan Festival, aligning the province’s 125th founding anniversary with a renewed push for food affordability and security.
The launch was led by DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra and Governor Fredenil Castro, alongside key partners such as the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the National Food Authority (NFA). Around 1,000 beneficiaries from priority sectors received subsidized rice during the initial rollout, marking a significant step in expanding access to affordable staples at the local level.
Velicaria-Guevarra described the initiative as a flagship program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., implemented under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
She emphasized that the program prioritizes vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, 4Ps beneficiaries, and minimum wage earners, as well as farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, and education personnel.
“Hindi lang ito tulong sa mamimili, direkta rin nitong sinusuportahan ang ating mga magsasaka,” Velicaria-Guevarra said, stressing that every kilo distributed corresponds to palay procured from local farmers through the NFA—ensuring both consumer relief and producer support.
Tiu Laurel, in a statement, underscored the urgency of sustaining the food program amid persistent economic uncertainty.
“At a time when global supply disruptions and price volatility continue to challenge food systems, we must decisively pursue President Marcos’ flagship food security programs,” the agriculture chief said.
“The P20 Rice Project is not merely a subsidy—it is a strategic intervention to stabilize prices, protect vulnerable households, and guarantee a reliable market for our farmers. We cannot afford to slow down,” the agriculture head stressed.
The DA added it is aggressively rolling out the program nationwide, which the President wants extended until June 2028, with a target of reaching as many as 60 million Filipinos by the end of the year.
The rollout also highlights the PLGU-led expansion model, encouraging local governments to take ownership in scaling distribution across municipalities. As of the latest data, the program has reached 661 sites nationwide and benefited more than six million Filipinos, underscoring its growing reach and impact.
To support efficient implementation, the DA has introduced the P20 Benteng Bigas Masterlist Registry System, which uses QR codes to ensure accurate beneficiary identification, monitoring, and transparency.
Castro welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for Capiznon families facing rising living costs.
The governor expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the national government would further expand access to affordable rice and strengthen food security across the province.
