Thousands of workers in Central Luzon’s premier economic zone are set to enjoy rice priced at ₱20 per kilo, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship food security initiative.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are rolling out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program on December 1, bringing affordable rice and other essential food items closer to more than 150,000 employees.
The initiative is part of PBBM’s broader push to make food accessible and affordable for Filipino workers, and will coincide with the government’s “Pamaskong Handog para sa mga Manggagawa” campaign.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma is expected to attend the launch, signaling a whole-of-government effort to ease the burden of rising food prices.
“This is just the start.”
“This is just the start,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
“By strengthening local food systems, we are not only protecting our workers’ welfare but also empowering our farmers nationwide,” Tiu Laurel added.
The program is anchored on the DA’s Zero-Kilometer Food System, which promotes the production, processing, and sale of food within local areas to reduce transport costs and ensure freshness.
“We want to make food accessible and affordable where people work,” the agriculture chief added, noting that similar rollouts are being explored in other economic zones and Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zones across the country.
CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera welcomed the partnership, citing Clark’s diverse workforce and expanding investor base as ideal conditions for the pilot run.
“This partnership is a concrete step toward inclusive growth,” Devanadera said.
“When we bring food closer to the workplace, we bring dignity and stability to the everyday lives of our workers.”
“When we bring food closer to the workplace, we bring dignity and stability to the everyday lives of our workers,” the CDC chief added.
The ₱20 rice will be distributed through Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets within the zone, integrating farmers, cooperatives, and government agencies in a streamlined supply chain.
