BACOLOD CITY – The city government here is processing the procurement of stocks for the second tranche of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” program, expected this month.
It was stated in a press briefing on Monday that they are preparing the purchase request for additional rice supply, following the launch of the PHP20 per kg. rice here last June.
“We have an existing memorandum of agreement with the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI). We are just waiting for the purchase request. We’re hoping to send it to the FTI this week. We will try to expedite the program to resume within the month,” the statement said.
Under the agreement, the city government places an order with the FTI, the Department of Agriculture’s marketing arm, to source rice from the National Food Authority.
During the initial rollout, the city government purchased 5,880 sacks of rice worth PHP7.971 million.
It was stated they expect to buy about 3,000 sacks for the second tranche, using the remaining fund for the program.
Under the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!”, each qualified family is allowed a 10-kg. purchase per week or a total of 40 kg. monthly.
The PHP20 per kg. rice is initially available to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities, indigent families, minimum wage earners, rice farmers, and fisherfolk.
On Sept. 16, the program will also be launched for the transport sector in five pilot areas across the country.
Bacolod City
Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental province in the Philippines, historically founded in the 18th century as a settlement for sugar planters. It is famously known as the “City of Smiles” and is celebrated for its MassKara Festival, a vibrant annual event featuring colorful masks and street dancing that originated during an economic crisis in the 1980s.
National Food Authority
The National Food Authority (NFA) is a Philippine government agency established in 1972 to ensure the country’s food security and stabilize the supply and price of staple grains, particularly rice. It manages national buffer stocks, oversees importation, and provides affordable rice to consumers, though its policies and role have been subjects of significant reform debates over the decades.
Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!
Based on the name, this appears to be a local cultural site or landmark, but there is no widely available historical or cultural information about a place called “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!” in English-language sources. It is likely a specific local reference whose context and history are not documented for a general audience.
Food Terminal Inc. (FTI)
Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) is a major food distribution center and wholesale market complex located in Taguig, Philippines. It was established in the 1970s to provide a centralized and organized hub for the trade of agricultural products, helping to stabilize food supply and prices in Metro Manila. Today, it remains a vital part of the city’s food logistics and a bustling marketplace for retailers and restaurateurs.
Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal executive department established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, often called “The People’s Department.” Its mission is to develop and execute federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural development, and food. Today, it plays a critical role in ensuring food safety, supporting agricultural producers, and managing natural resources.
