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 on Wednesday.

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 (kgs.) each at PHP29 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 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 enable them to boost their productivity.

“Today, the BBM Rice at PHP29 per kg. is in Kabankalan City. We are also discussing to bring the PHP25 per kg. to Binalbagan town,” Limpangog said in an interview.

He added the FIACN-BRIS will schedule next the sale of “Rice for All”, which is open to all Negrenses at PHP35 per kg.

Since last year, the FIACN-BRIS, in collaboration with the provincial government, has sold 14,675 kgs. of milled rice at PHP25 per kg. 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)