The “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” program was launched here on Wednesday, benefiting 1,250 individuals from vulnerable sectors.

Under the program, members of vulnerable sectors, including Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities, can avail of rice at PHP20 per kg. at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo caravan, the town’s senior agriculturist Gene Padilla said in an interview.

“Some 250 (50-kg.) bags of rice were procured by the local government unit for the program, and we contacted the beneficiaries,” he said.

He said each qualified beneficiary was able to purchase a maximum of 10 kg.

“Hopefully, we can have another schedule through the initiative of our Mayor (Alfe Soriano),” he said.

Tomas Escortiso, 75, of Barangay Gomez, said his family of five would benefit from rice bought through the program.

Leonarda Soriano, 69, and Magdalena Fernandez, 68, both residents of Polong Norte, thanked the national government.

“We will have some more budget for our other needs,” Fernandez said in the vernacular.

Raquel Caldona expressed delight that the rice was of high quality.

Fernando Marcilla, 66, of Barangay San Julian, said the affordable price of rice was worth the long queue.

“This is a big help to everyone here, especially the senior (citizens) and the indigents,” he said. (PNA)